Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira at Barbourfields Stadium
Highlanders 1-1 Chicken Inn
JUNIOR Makunike had already started celebrating when he missed from close range in Chicken Inn’s 1-1 Bulawayo derby draw against Highlanders at Barbourfields yesterday, coach Tonderai Ndiraya said.
With the scores level in the 70th minute, Michael Charamba picked out Makunike inside the box, but the forward failed to convert a chance that could have put the Gamecocks ahead.
“I think it had a goal written on it, but he lost a bit of concentration,” Ndiraya said.
“Even psychologically, you could tell he had started celebrating before he made his attempt.”
It was the clearest chance of a second half in which Chicken Inn improved after Highlanders had enjoyed the better of the opening period.
The teams had met just days earlier, when Bosso knocked the Gamecocks out of the Chibuku Super Cup on penalties.
With head coach Benjani Mwaruwari watching from the stands as he continues his recovery from illness, Highlanders controlled the early exchanges through Mongameli Tshuma and Never Rauzhi.
Rauzhi curled the first clear opportunity wide after being released by Tshuma.
He opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, heading home after Benjamin Adeogun beat his marker and crossed from the right.
Chicken Inn responded through Charamba and Brendon Rendo, who began finding space on the flanks .
The Gamecocks drew level in the 41st minute after Nomore Chinyerere was adjudged to have fouled Ngnowa Hapmo inside the box.
Tyrese Hikupembe converted the penalty.
Highlanders assistant coach Mkhokheli Dube said Bosso had needed discipline against a Chicken Inn side seeking a response to Sunday’s Cup exit.
“It was one of those games where we had to be tactically disciplined,” Dube said.
Ndiraya believed the Gamecocks had produced the response he wanted.
“Against Highlanders, we knew it was going to be tough,” he said.
“I felt we had control in most phases of the game. It was a big performance from the team.
“I am disappointed by the way we conceded the first goal. We should not be making such mistakes at this level, but it is part of football. We have to take the point and move on.
“We wanted maximum points, but we really had to avoid another defeat.”
