Hwange . . . . . . . . .(0) 0 Highlanders . . . . .(0) 1 Highlanders striker Masimba Mambare scored a priceless injury-time goal to sink a struggling Hwange at the Colliery as the Bulawayo giants reclaimed the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League top position. With rivals Dynamos falling to Chicken Inn at Barbourfields Stadium on the same day, Bosso opened a one-point gap at the top of the log with 53 points.
As for Hwange, their recent misery continued unabated as yesterday’s defeat was their fifth in a row. The Tenant Chilumba-coached side are now on 12th position with 25 points. Unless Hwange do something to arrest the decline, they might find themselves playing Division One football next season.
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu could not hide his excitement after the final whistle.
“Hwange were resorting to delaying tactics which was not necessary, but I am happy for my boys that we managed to win. I’m a happy man today,” he said
Frustration is clearly beginning to show in the Hwange camp as their technical team disappeared into the dressing room immediately after the match.
Hwange settled first with Tawanda Mareya’s shot hitting the cross bar in the fifth minute.
However, Bosso managed to absorb the early pressure with Mthulisi Maphosa dictating proceedings in midfield.
In the 15th minute, the former FC Platinum midfielder found Simon Munawa on the wing, but his cross found no takers.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Chipangano created the next real chance from a free kick, but Winstone Mhango’s curling effort went inches away from the goal as the two sides went into the break deadlocked.
Highlanders came back the better side showing the enthusiasm of a side chasing the championship. Beaven Chikaka and Peter Moyo’s introduction early in the second half added the much-needed impetus in the Bosso attack, but they just could not break the resolute Hwange defence.
The two combined well on the hour mark, but the Hwange goalkeeper was in good form.
Chikaka hit the side netting in the 90th minute, an effort that looked like the last real chance of the match. However, Mambare had other ideas.
With time ticking away, Bosso were awarded a free kick at the edge of the box and Maphosa took it quickly, passing the ball to the former Motor Action man who found the top corner with a curling shot.
Hwange protested the goal as they felt the kick was not taken properly, but referee Hardly Ndaze stood his ground. Hwange assistant coach Mebelo Njekwa was shown a red card during the last-minute mêlée.
