Shabanie Mine . . . . . . . . . 0 Highlanders . . . . . . . . . (1) 2 In form Highlanders stretched their lead at the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League standings to five points, taking their unbeaten run to eight matches after beating Shabanie Mine in their backyard at Maglas Stadium yesterday.
Striker Milton Ncube and midfielder Graham Ncube grabbed the two goals as the Bulawayo giants remained on top.
It was a significant win for Bosso, who have struggled on their previous visits to Maglas. So bitter was the defeat for Shabanie Mine that their striker Nelson Mazivisa broke into tears soon after the final whistle and had to be consoled by his coach Luke Masomere.
The “Chinda Boys”, as Shabanie Mine are affectionately known by their fans, dominated the proceedings in the opening stages of the match, but against the run of play Bosso hit the back of the net through a sixth minute strike by Milton Ncube. Atlas Musasa sent in an inviting cross from the right which drew out the Shabanie Mine goalkeeper Victor Twaliki, who failed to deal with it leaving Ncube to nod the ball home.
Highlanders then took control of the match with Peter Moyo dominating in midfield and Graham Ncube creating problems for the Shabanie Mine rearguard.
In the 21st minute, Graham Ncube could have put Bosso two goals up, but hit the upright with only Twaliki to beat.
Bosso continued to probe the Shabanie defence, but failed to convert the numerous chances they created.
In the second half, Bosso coach Kelvin Kaindu pulled out Arnold Ndiweni for Bevan Chikaka to add impetus upfront. The move ensured Bosso continued with their dominance in the match. In the 63rd minute Graham Ncube saw his “goal” disallowed for offside after some enterprising exchanges with Masimba Mambare.
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Shabanie Mine coach Masomere responded by making a double substitution, pulling out Caleb Masocha and Francis Kanda for Nelson Mazivisa and Gifford Muchiwa.
But the home side lacked creativity and continuously pumped long balls upfront. As the home side continued to pour forward, it was inevitable Bosso would hit them on the counter. They did that through a stunning first time shot from Graham Ncube to seal the match.
Highlanders won the ball deep in their half and Kangwa made a mazy run from the left, beating Kudzanayi Kwashi clean before sending a fine cross that found an unmarked Graham Ncube who connected first time.
Kaindu expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance.
“The play was good and I was happy with the performance of the boys. It was by no means an easy match as Shabanie Mine were up to the challenge. They started on a high, but we got them on the counter,” said Kaindu.
Masomere conceded that his charges lost to a better team.
He said: “This is our first defeat at home, but I’m not bitter because we lost to a better side. Highlanders played better than us, dictating pace in midfield where we were disorganised.”
lMeanwhile, Hwange massacred Monomotapa 5-1 with Rodwell Chinyengetere grabbing four goals in the rout while Soccer Star of the Year finalist Nkosana Siwela weighed in with the fifth goal for the miners at the Colliery.
Joseph Mutambiranwa scored the face saver for Monomotapa.
