adminPremier Soccer League match at Barbourfields yesterday.
The result saw the former champions take their points tally to 38 from 23 games, five points behind joint log leaders Motor Action and FC Platinum.
Ncube controlled a Gift ‘Thebe’ Lunga flick off an Arnold Tshuma pass before slotting the ball past Tapiwa Zvaita to send the Highlanders supporters who were beginning to anticipate a draw into song and dance.
Highlanders coach Mkhuphali Masuku was happy with the result.
“All that we wanted was to enjoy our passing game which I believed my boys did. I am satisfied with the team’s performance and the result,” said Masuku.
Besides the goal and the many stoppages by referee Philani Ncube, the game was dull.
Blue Ribbon were the first to try their luck at goal through Charlton Mashumba in the seventh minute when he beat young but impressive Honest Moyo before letting a volley which the Highlanders and national Under-23 goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda punched for corner.
Highlanders’ best player of the day Louis Matawu could have found the opener for his team in the 12th minute after collecting a loose ball just after the centre, charged towards his opponents box, released the ball to Simon Munawa who passed the ball to Ncube in the box.
Ncube sent a hard and low shot that landed at Matawu’s feet but the latter could not beat Zvaita from close range.
Both teams went on to try and open each other up but could not make more than five uninterrupted passes.
Former national team defender Bekithemba Ndlovu, playing as the right back in the absence of suspended Lawson Nkomo cleverly chipped the ball to Bruce Kangwa in the 26th minute but the midfielder instead of hitting a first time tried to control the ball and eventually lost possession. Ndlovu had a good game too.
Zvaita acrobatically saved a Ncube flick from the tight angle in the 37th minute to keep his side in the game.
After the break Blue Ribbon’s central strikers Mashumba and Virimai Mubudo failed to punish the home team’s sloppy defence when they rose high but could not head a Tawanda Mapungu cross from the right.
Blue Ribbon had the upright to thank in the 61st minute as Ndlovu only held his head in disbelief after seeing his spectacular freekick five metres from the centre line hit the woodwork with Zvaita a beaten man.
The visitors eventually cracked in the 83rd minute when Ncube beat his marker by a chest control to slaughter the ball home.
Blue Ribbon gaffer Misheck Chidzambwa said their play was affected by the PSL break.
“The break we had affected our game and we did not play our normal game.
“However, there are seven games to go and I think we will manage a top eight finish,” said Chidzambwa Chidzambwa was promised a twin cab by his club if he leads them to a top eight finish.
Teams
Highlanders:
A Sibanda, G Banda, I Mapuranga, H Moyo, B Ndlovu, A Tshuma (T Ndlovu 90th minute), R Kutsanzira, L Matawu, S Munawa (V Nzombe 66th minute), B Kangwa (G Lunga 56th minute), G Ncube
Blue Ribbon
T Zvaita, J Jam, E Muvinga, T Munetsi, C Kamhapa, D Kamunhenga (V Mubuto 46th minute), T Chitora, T Mapungu, T Chiragwi, C Mashumba (M Mahacho 70th minute), B Tuwaya.
Results
Saturday
Motor Action 1, Chicken Inn 1; Fc Platinum 1, CAPS United 1; Kiglon 2, Shooting Stars 1; Monomotapa 1, Gunners 5;
Yesterday
Highlanders 1, Blue Ribbon 0; Hwange 1, Black Mambas 0; Masvingo 2, Shabanie 2, Dynamos 4, Zim Saints 0.
Online Reporter