HIGHLANDERS... (1) 1
BULAWAYO CHIEFS... 0
DEVINE Mhindirira inspired Highlanders to a derby win over Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday to keep their dream of a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League top four finish alive.
The midfielder made a solo run into the penalty box in the 37th minute before letting off a screaming left footer that beat diving goalkeeper David Bizabani all systems out.
They held on to that goal to the end to collect maximum points.
“It was going to be a difficult game considering that we were not active last week. It's good for the club to come here and get three points. We want to finish higher than where we are at the moment. We want give our fans a befitting end of the season,” assistant coach Joel Luphahla said.
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His opposite number, Thulani Sibanda bemoaned his team’s failure to capitalise on the scoring opportunities they created, especially in the second half.
“It was a good game for me. We created numerous chances with Farau and (Obriel) Chirinda and (Farau) Matare. It was a good game. I was not expecting the young players to give that kind of performance,” Sibanda said.
Highlanders had a chance as early as the 12th minutes, but captain Nqobizitha Masuku’s powerful header from an Andrew Mbebe free-kick went off the target.
A minute later it was Stanley Ngala, who directed his header wide.
Highlanders made an injury-forced substitution in the 22nd minute with Chrispen Ncube replacing Mbongeni Ndlovu.
Mbeba moved to the centre to partner Peter Muduhwa and Ncube played on the right-back.
Bulawayo Chiefs returned from the breather a rejuvenated side after the introduction of Chirinda and Matare, tormenting Highlanders left, right and centre but could not find the equaliser.
Teams
Highlanders: R Pitisi, A Mbeba, A Faira (G Makaruse 72' ( M Ndlovu (C Ncube 22'), P Muduhwa, N Masuku (M Mushore 46'), R Lunga (R Kutsanzira 60'), D Mhindirira, S Ngala (W Navaya 72') D Mukuli, L Chikuhwa
Bulawayo Chiefs: D Bizabani, B Nyahunzvi, L Ndlela, A Musiyiwa (W Mensah 72') M Msebe, P Shoko, D Arkoli (F Matare 46'), M Gasela (O Chirinda 46'), B Veremu, F Moyo, M Phiri
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