BY FORTUNE MBELE
HIGHLANDERS . . . . . . (0) 1
BULAWAYO CITY . . . . . . . .0
HIGHLANDERS got their second set of three points when they beat Bulawayo City in a lacklustre Group 2 Chibuku Super Cup tie at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
Goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda converted from the spot five minutes before the final whistle after Douglas Sibanda hacked down the marauding Washington Navaya inside the penalty box in the 81st minute.
Save for the goal, nothing was spectacular about the game from Highlanders players, who embarked on an industrial action during the week.
“We came here with a lot of problems. We came here without any practical work. A game in which we did not prepare for as much as we wanted. We did not train Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. But the boys said we are done with our problems and they want to play for you; I am happy,” Mpofu said after the game.
Highlanders remain second on seven points, same as leaders Chicken Inn in Group 2.
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City coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube congratulated Highlanders for the victory.
“That is football. It has got three results: a win, a draw and a loss. Today we lost and we congratulate Highlanders for getting three points through a penalty,” he said.
Highlanders got off to a good start with brilliant flashes from strikers Navaya and Ray Lunga, ably supplied by midfielder Devine Mhindirira.
Lunga could have scored as early as the fourth minute from inside the penalty box, but his effort was safely collected by Bulawayo City goalkeeper Bhekimpilo Ncube.
As the Bulawayo giants continued to mount attacks, Navaya got a chance in the 20th minute, but his shot was also saved by the goalkeeper.
Mhindirira played well in the centre and set up Lunga in the 35th minute but the striker’s effort went over the cross bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.
In the 65th minute, Navaya’s header from a brilliant Charlton Siamalonga cross sailed over the crossbar.
Bulawayo City’s meaningful chance came in the 66th minute from a Wilfred Munhorwei free-kick, but goalkeeper Sibanda came to Highlanders’ rescue and punched the ball back into play.
Highlanders substitute Bukhosi Sibanda failed to control and shoot inside the penalty box in another opportunity to score for the Bulawayo giants.
Teams
Highlanders: A Sibanda, C Siamalonga, P Mpelele, C Ncube, M Ndlovu, M Masuku, R Lunga, A Silla, W Navaya, D Mhindirira, M Dlamini (B Sibanda, 60’)
Bulawayo City: B Ncube, D Sibanda, V Moyo, W Munhorwei, D Mukandi, M Ncube, C Machisi (Ndlovu, 88’), E Nkulungo, W Mutasa (D Dlodlo, 51’), J Chinyerere
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