HIGHLANDERS . . . . . . (0) 1
HWANGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0
HIGHLANDERS finally got their act together and registered a win by defeating Hwange in a lukewarm Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
Until yesterday, they had last posted victory in April against Caps United and went on to lose to FC Platinum and played five draws.
After a dull first half, the Bulawayo giants went ahead three minutes into the second half through a powerful volley by Marvin Sibanda inside the penalty area from a cross by Mckinnon Mushore on the left.
It was his second goal for Bosso after he scored in the 1-1 draw against Bikita Minerals at BF last weekend.
With the win, Highlanders are now on 26 points.
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu was relieved after his team ended the barren run.
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“I think it was good work and the win had to come. It’s good for us to break the bad spell that we have been going through. We looked better and much more determined when we started the second half and you could tell the goal was about to come at any moment,” Kaindu said.
Hwange mentor Rodwell Dhlakama praised his boys despite the loss.
“It was a competitive game and from my perspective, we lost, but I give it to the boys for their resilience, fighting spirit and determination,” he said.
“We really wanted to win, considering where we are coming from, where we are sitting on the log standings. It’s not pretty well, but at times we celebrate mediocrity. I did not see much from what I expected, even from the opposition.”
The first attempt at goal for Highlanders was by Godfrey Makaruse, with a long range shot which was saved by Hwange goalkeeper Wellington Muuya in the 16th minute.
A few minutes later, Sibanda sailed his effort over the cross bar with a similar effort.
In the 25th minute, Hwange got a free-kick just outside the penalty area and right back Jofias Mumpande packed a powerful shot, but he watched the ball sailing over the cross bar.
Highlanders got another opportunity to score in the 32nd minute, but Sibanda’s header inside the box was cleared off the goal line by Hwange defender Lukas Sibanda.
As action switched to the other end, Marseline Mlilo for Hwange unleashed a thunderbolt in the 36th minute, but goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi was equal to the task.
Highlanders right-back Andrew Mbeba dribbled past Hwange defenders inside the box, but his curler was pushed out for a corner-kick by an alert Muuya in the 79th minute.
Teams
Highlanders: R Pitisi, B Mlotshwa, G Makaruse, A Mbeba, P Muduhwa, M Ncube, L Chikuhwa (Mason Mushore, 84’), M Mushore, B Ncube (R Sibanda, 84’) D Mhindirira (C Chigonero, 90+5’), M Sibanda
Hwange: W Muuya, J Mumpande, R Maphosa (M Tshuma, 90’), L Sibanda, S Moyo, K Shiyandindi, P Mathe (G Mbweti, 42’), S Gadzikwa, M Mlilo (A Dube, 70’), P Mpelele, C Nkomo (T Muvuti, 70’)
