ZPC KARIBA . . . . . .0
HIGHLANDERS . . . 0
RESURGENT ZPC Kariba put an end to Bulawayo giants Highlanders' winning streak after the teams settled for a goalless draw in their high profile Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Nyamhunga Stadium yesterday.
Despite going into the match as underdogs against a Bosso side, which is currently unbeaten in the league this season, it was the home team that commanded the largest chunk of the first half, but failed to turn their chances into goals.
Goal hungry Raphael Manuvire who was playing in his second game for ZPC Kariba FC after a long stint with Northern Region Division One side Trojan Mine, tried to breach the highlanders defence in the 15th minute of the first half, but was stopped by the water-tight Highlanders defence marshalled by Peter Muduhwa.
The second half saw both teams playing good football, but unfortunately nothing materialised.
Highlanders had an effort on goal in the 79 minute through a grounder from Mbongeni Ndlovu, which was fruitless after being stopped by ZPC Kariba goalkeeper Hamilton Makainganwa.
The hosts created a brilliant opportunity through Nigel Chipunza, who came through as a late substitute replacing Manuvire but was stopped by Ariel Sibanda who tipped the ball for a corner kick which was wasted by the home team.
ZPC Kariba and Highlanders have played 10 games against each other in all competition since 2016, securing three victories each and drawing the other matches.
And yesterday's encounter proved to be another stalemate with ZPC Kariba coach Luke Masomere clearly the happier of the two coaches after the match.
"Yes, we were playing against the best team in the league at the moment, but we had also prepared well for this game," said Masomere.
"It was a game of two halves, first half it didn't work out well for us as Highlanders dominated.
"But second half we came out stronger. We created more chances and we could have scored one or two goals but such is the nature of the game."
Highlanders technical manager Baltermar Brito said: "I don't have to blame anyone, in football you win, you draw or you lose.
“I have to congratulate my boys. This is a very tough league and you can't win all the games.
"For us it's a point gained because every point is crucial since we want to win the title."
Yesterday's result meant Highlanders' lead at the top of the log was cut to five points by Ngezi Platinum, who edged Bulawayo Chiefs 1-0 at Baobab.
ZPC Kariba climbed to 11th position with 22 points from 18 matches.