HIGHLANDERS . . . . . . 0
WARRIORS . . . . . . . . . . .0
CARNIVAL atmosphere engulfed Barbourfields Stadium as football fans from all walks of life thronged Emagumeni to witness the Bosso@100 exhibition match between the Bulawayo giants and the Warriors.
Highlanders matched the senior men’s national team pound for pound in a goalless draw, with Bosso’s young midfielder Prince Ndlovu delivering a standout performance before being substituted a few minutes before full-time.
The Highlanders faithful turned out in their numbers, filling the traditional Soweto End and Empankweni Stand in an impressive midweek turnout.
It was a rare occasion for the Warriors, who last played at Emagumeni in 2019 during a Chan qualifier.
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The new-look Warriors failed to register a meaningful shot on target in a match largely dominated by the hosts, as the national team continues preparations for the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament, where they face Botswana on Saturday in Francistown.
Warriors coach Marian Marinica, who handed opportunities to several new faces including Highlanders attacking midfielder Mongameli Tshuma, remained optimistic.
“We tried some players, and we tried to see how it works… Normally, we need a bit more time to prepare for something like that, but we are getting there,” he said.
Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari praised the Warriors while expressing satisfaction with his side’s performance against the national team.
"I think they came here structured. You know as a national team we need to be structured. You don't need to concede goals. You saw second half, they came on us and they missed a couple of chances. You can tell where they are coming from and where they are going," Mwaruwari said.
Highlanders created the first real chance in the 17th minute when right-back Mvelo Khoza delivered a cross to Brighton Ncube, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Ndlovu then took centre stage, dazzling Warriors defenders with quick feet in the 19th minute, but overplayed his move and was dispossessed before taking a shot.
He remained a constant threat, and in the 26th minute, a clever run into the box saw his effort crash into the side netting. Moments later, Ndlovu embarked on another solo run from midfield but fired wide despite being unmarked.
The Warriors’ first meaningful attack came after the half-hour mark when Andrew Mbeba’s cross was blocked by Kudakwashe Mahachi for a corner.
From the set-piece, Jarrison Selemani found Godknows Murwira, whose effort was safely gathered by goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya.
Ndlovu continued to orchestrate Bosso’s attacks and set up Ncube in the 37th minute, but the striker skied his effort.
Three minutes before the break, Selemani beat Nomore Chinyerere on the flank and delivered a cross, but Washington Navaya’s header missed the target.
Marinica made wholesale changes in the second half, introducing Future Sibanda, Jonah Fabisch, Marvelous Nakamba, Emmanuel Jalai, Macaulay Bonne, Junior Zindoga and Bill Antonio, but they failed to alter the complexion of the match.
Mwaruwari also made changes, bringing on Zambian duo Isaac Ngoma and Motela Mulambya, as well as Never Rauzhi, but neither side could find the breakthrough.
The Warriors had a chance in the 69th minute from a free-kick just outside the box, but Fabisch’s effort was well defended. Antonio later weaved past defenders before his shot was handled by Highlanders’ Tawanda Shenje.
In the 80th minute, Munashe Garananga blazed over the bar from a Fabisch cross with Ngwenya off his line, as the match ended in a stalemate.