Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo at Barbourfields Stadium
Highlanders 1–1 Ngezi Platinum Stars
A REASON Sibanda diving header rescued Highlanders from defeat and earned them a share of the spoils in a pulsating Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie against Ngezi Platinum Stars at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Bosso were made to chase the game after a costly 25th-minute blunder by defender Arthur Ndlovu allowed Tinashe Mavhudzi to break the deadlock for Madamburo. Ndlovu’s botched clearance fell kindly to Gomezagni Chirwa, who squared for Mavhudzi to slot home with ease.
Despite creating numerous chances, Bosso had to wait until the 79th minute to find an equaliser, and it came through substitute Sibanda, who met a cross from the left flank with a textbook diving header at the near post, leaving Ngezi’s shot-stopper Darlington Murasiranwa with no chance.
The Bulawayo giants will feel they had enough opportunities to win it.
Never Rauzhi forced the first save of the match in the 9th minute with a low shot that Murasiranwa comfortably dealt with. A minute later, Melikhaya Ncube set up Malvern Hativagoni, whose long-range effort was again handled by the alert keeper.
In the 23rd minute, Rauzhi came close when his header off a Mason Mushore corner sailed just wide. Moments later, Ncube rattled the crossbar with a fierce drive from inside the box, while Mushore failed to capitalise on the rebound.
Just before the break, Panashe Mushonga’s powerful volley was palmed away for a corner by Murasiranwa, who was in fine form throughout.
In the second half, Bosso continued to push. A 61st-minute move saw Brighton Ncube feed Mushore, but the midfielder’s tame effort was saved. In the 74th minute, Tendai Muvuti sent a perfect cross to Mushore, but again, Murasiranwa stood firm.
Moments later, Hativagoni unleashed another thunderbolt from distance, only to be denied again by the upright.
Teams:
Highlanders:
Reward Muza (gk), Arthur Ndlovu, Melikhaya Ncube, Prince Ndlovu (Reason Sibanda 46’), Malvern Hativagoni (Brian Mlotshwa 83’), Brighton Ncube, Mason Mushore, Never Rauzhi, Archford Faira, Panashe Mushonga (Tendai Muvuti 71’), Luckmore Mutumbi
Ngezi Platinum Stars:
Darlington Murasiranwa (gk), Gomezagni Chirwa, Kudzai Chigwida, Farai Madhanaga, Nyasha Gurende, Leslie Kashitigu, Brooklyn Katumba, Adam Ngwenya (Marvelous Mukumba 46’), Talent Chamboko (Qadr Amin 88’), McDonalad Makuwe, Tinashe Mavhudzi (Nisbert Muzenda 81’)
Bosso fans will be buoyed by the fight shown, but the missed chances continue to haunt their top-four aspirations.
