HIGHLANDERS . . . . . . .(1)1
NGEZI PLATINUM . . . . .(0)1
IT was a game of two halves as Highlanders and Ngezi Platinum Stars could not be separated at the end of 90 minutes in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barboufields Stadium yesterday.
Highlanders' struggles in the second half of their matches continued as they allowed Ngezi Platinum back into the match they looked so much in control with a Claude Mapoka’s 51st minute header cancelling out Brighton Ncube's opener after 38 minutes.
It was Ngezi Platinum's fifth consecutive draw and had goalkeeper Nelson Chadya to thank after the produced some top drawer saves including a crucial penalty save in the second half.
Referee Owen Manende adjudged that Mavern Sibanda was fouled inside the box and Highlanders were awarded a penalty, but Chadya dived to his right to stop Melikhaya Ncube's effort.
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Ngezi Platinum coach Takesure Chiragwi praised Chadya.
"I will not say much about him (Chadya) because that is his job. He is there to defend between the goal posts and that is his duty. If he fails to do that, he would have failed to do his job. If he does what he did today, we clap hands for him because that is his responsibility. He did very well, he was in top form. He played well, he saved the club, we are happy. He did his job," said Chiragwi.
Kelvin Kaindu opined that the draw was an advantage to Ngezi Platinum. "I think a victory today would have given us so much hope and probably reduce the number of points between us and the team at the summit. We knew that if we pick up maximum points we will definitely move above Ngezi and a draw is an advantage for them. But there are a few games to go and we still need to push and probably continue to believe," said Kaindu.
Bosso raced into the lead after 38 minutes, when Ncube side-footed his short past Chadya after some fine work by Nqobile Ndlovu who laid a brilliant pass for his strike partner.
Substitute Mapoka levelled matters in the second half, connecting well a cross from another substitute Tinotenda Meke. The inch-perfect cross was planted into the back of the net with goalkeeper Reward Muza rooted to the same spot.
Bosso were the better side in the first half and Nqobile Ndlovu's fine turn and shoot inside the box brought the best out of Chadya after 15 minutes.
Bosso remained fourth posution on 37 points a point behind Ngezi.
Highlanders:
Reward Muza (goalkeeper), Marvelous Chigumira, Mckinnon Mushore, Marvin Sibanda (Marvin Sibanda, 83mins), Godfrey Makaruse (Prince Ndlovu, 75mins), Peter Muduhwa, Nqobile Ndlovu, Archford Faira, Authur Ndlovu, Brighton Ncube (Lynoth Chikuhwa, 83mins), Melikhaya Ncube.
Ngezi Platinum:
Nelson Chadya (gk), Marvelous Mukombwe, Leslie Kashitigu, Malvern Hativagoni, Qadr Amini (Gareth Madhake, 46mins),Nigel Mukombe (Tinotenda Meke, 46mins), Farai Madhananga, Richard Hachiro, Obriel Chirinda, Tinotenda Murasiranwa (Claude Mapoka, 46mins), Kudzai Chigwida.