Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo
Highlanders 0-2 TelOne
Goals from Tawanda Macheke and Washington Navaya helped TelOne add to Bosso’s misery as the WiFi Boys secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Macheke fired home early in the first half to break the deadlock, while former Bosso striker Navaya slotted home in the 90th minute of optional time, taking his tally to 12.
Bosso, however, blew a golden opportunity that could have changed the complexion of the match when captain Ariel Sibanda had his penalty saved by Criss Mverechena with 15 minutes left and the score still at 1-0.
Mverechena guessed right to deny the Bosso skipper after they were awarded a controversial penalty by referee Tichaona Mbire. A TelOne player was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box, and the referee’s decision was met with protests by the WiFi Boys.
Macheke found the back of the net in the ninth minute after beating Sibanda in a one-versus-one situation. The TelOne forward capitalised on a lapse in concentration from the Bosso defence to give the WiFi Boys the advantage.
The goal came a minute after Navaya came close to putting TelOne in front but could not connect with a Macheke cross.
As TelOne continued their search for a second, Luckmore Mutumbi took one for the team by pulling down a charging Navaya who was about to break through on goal. TelOne got a free kick which, however, went to waste.
Moments later, Prince Ndlovu got a golden chance outside the box. Unmarked, he opted for a first-time shot which went over the bar.
At the half-hour mark, Bosso got a free kick in a promising position, but Mason Mushore’s effort was cleared away. Bosso continued to press hard in search of the equaliser, but poor decision-making in the final third continually hurt them.
At the hour mark, Washington Navaya attempted a shot from outside the box which went wide.
Bosso got their first real chance at goal in the second half when Reason Sibanda, put through on goal, chipped the ball over Criss Mverechena, but an alert TelOne defender cleared before the Highlanders striker could head home. Moments later, the controversial penalty came.
With five minutes left on the clock, Archford Faira dribbled past the TelOne defence and sent in a brilliant cross from the left, which Reason Sibanda failed to connect with.
Highlanders:
Ariel Sibanda (gk), Arthur Ndlovu, Melikhaya Ncube, Prince Ndlovu (Panashe Mushonga, 46mins), Tendai Muvuti (Reason Sibanda, 46mins), Malvern Hativagoni (Mvelo Khoza, 46mins), Brighton Ncube, Mason Mushore, Never Rauzhi, Archford Faira, Luckmore Mutumbi.
TelOne:
Criss Mverechena (gk), Frank Makarati, Tafadzwa Jaravani, Nkosiyabo Masilela (Panashe Mtasa, 63mins), Kudakwashe Nyakudanga, Pawell Govere, Eriya Mafirenyika, Bruno Mtigo, Tawanda Macheke, Prince Milanzi (Leeroy Murape, 63mins), Washington Navaya.
