NO CHBUKU FOR BOSSO

Ricky Zililo in BULAWAYO

Bulawayo Chiefs………(0) 1

Highlanders……………….. 0

HIGHLANDERS’ seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions came to a screeching halt when they were bundled out of the Chibuku Super Cup at Barbourfields yesterday.

Chiefs’ skipper, Marlvin Mkolo, returned to the starting line-up to inspire them to victory, which secured them passage into the semi-finals.

It was a deserved goal for Chiefs who were better than Bosso.

Mkolo beat goalie Ariel Sibanda with a free header, to score the game’s solitary goal, in the 66th minute.

Sibanda had earlier kept Bosso in the game by saving a penalty.

Chiefs’ coach, Nilton Terroso, watched the game from the terraces after walking out of Thursday’s training session.

That left assistant coach, Thulani Sibanda, in charge for yesterday’s upset.

Sibanda praised his players for putting Bosso under pressure from the first whistle.

“We’re happy to be progressing to the next stage of the tournament. “The attitude of the boys was awesome and fantastic.

“If they can continue with this attitude for the rest of the season, it will be superb,” said Sibanda.

He added:

“We’ve watched Highlanders, they are good with build-ups.

“We agreed to go low pressure. We did create numerous chances, as the game plan was to tease them with a couple of passes and catch them.

“That worked as it created uncomfortable situations for their back line,” he said.

Chiefs started the match at an electrifying pace, in search of an early goal, which they missed.

They opened up Highlanders’ defence, threading defence-splitting passes, but poor finishing let them down.

In the second minute, Chiefs’ attacking midfielder, Mthokozisi Msebe, fluffed a glorious-scoring opportunity, after beating the offside trap to come face-to-face with the ‘keeper, shot straight at him.

On a quick break, Highlanders wing back, Godfrey Makaruse, sent a superb cross from the left in the fifth minute, which fell to unmarked forward, Washington Navaya, who directed his effort wide from inside the box.

Chiefs suffocated the Bosso midfield, with Lucky Ndlela keeping a close eye on playmaker Divine Mhindirira, while Hughe Chikosa, Msebe, Arthur Musiyiwa and Perfect Chikwende complemented their anchorman, as they created numerous scoring opportunities.

Chiefs won a penalty in the 20th minute, after Peter Muduhwa fouled Obriel Chirinda in the box, leading to a six-minute stoppage.

Bosso players swarmed referee, Allan Bhasvi, arguing that he erred in showing Muduhwa a red card, as he was not on a yellow card earlier.

The yellow card had been given to Makaruse, not Muduhwa.

Bhasvi ratified his mistake and Muduhwa, who had returned to the dressing room, came back to the field of play.

Chirinda took the spot kick and Sibanda punched the ball back into play and Elvis Moyo missed the rebound.

Both teams ended the game with 10 players after Chirinda was red-carded in the 84th minute, and Muduhwa followed him in the 90th minute.

Bosso coach, Baltemar Brito, conceded that his side put up an uninspiring performance.

“It’s hard to explain, it’s a weak performance.

“I think our boys felt the pressure of the dream to win the Cup.

“We’re disappointed because we were also dreaming of the Cup. We’re sorry to the supporters and the board for this disappointment,” said Brito.