HIGHLANDERS .................(1) 1
YADAH FC ......................(1) 1
HIGHLANDERS finished their season on a low note after being held to a 1-1 draw by Yadah FC at Barbourfields Stadium, despite Lynoth Chikuhwa claiming the 2024 Golden Boot.
Chikuhwa scored his 17th goal of the season after just eight minutes, securing the top scorer award.
Mvelo Khoza swung in a free kick from the right and Chikuhwa fired home.
Yadah equalised in the 43rd minute, thanks to a brilliant assist from Khama Billiat. His intelligent through pass cut the Highlanders' defense and Blessed Ndereki was on hand to run into space and place the ball past goalkeeper Reward Muza.
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The match was delayed by nearly 30 minutes due to heavy rain in Bulawayo just before kickoff. When referee Thabani Bhamala finally blew the whistle to start the match, Highlanders assumed dominance but wasted several scoring opportunities.
In the 16th minute, Chikuhwa should have doubled Highlanders' lead but his effort was easily saved by Yadah goalkeeper Marshal Takarinda. In the 40th minute, Never Rauzhi received a pass from Mvelo Khoza and raced through on goal but shot agonizingly wide.
A minute later, Prince Ndlovu squared the ball for Chikuhwa, but the striker failed to finish, and Malvin Sibanda also failed to connect with the rebound. In the 63rd minute, Billiat could have scored but shot straight at Muza, face-to-face with the goalkeeper.
Yadah dominated the second half, with Billiat squandering several opportunities. In the 70th minute, Billiat shot way off target from close range after receiving a pass from Ndereki.
After the match, Peter Muduhwa, Ariel Sibanda and Chikuhwa appeared to wave goodbye to the Highlanders fans, sparking speculation about their futures with the club.
Coach Kelvin Kaindu refused to comment on the issue after the game.
Lineups:
Highlanders: R Muza, T Dube, B Mlotshwa (M Chigumira 54), L Chikuhwa, M Sibanda, P Ndlovu (M Mushore 70), M Khoza, N Rauzhi, B Ncube (N Banda 80), M Ncube (G Nyathi 80)
Yadah FC: M Takarinda, E Chitauro, K Billiart, B Ndereki (T Chikumba 87), E Rusike, T Veranda, R Ncube, A Gwatidzo, C Mandivei, M Mushonga, F Mustafa (P Kafelapanjila 72)