BY Munyaradzi Madzokere
HIGHLANDERS FC. . . . . . . . . . . . (0)
NGEZI PLATINUM STARS FC . .. (0)
HIGHLANDERS reverted to their familiar draw pattern after Ngezi Platinum Stars held them to a goalless stalemate in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
While Highlanders rued a glut of missed opportunities, Ngezi Platinum extended their impressive unbeaten run and remain the only side yet to taste defeat this season.
Highlanders fashioned the first real chance in the 13th minute when Royn Nyamono rose to meet a cross following a neat build-up initiated by Nigerian striker Benjamin Adeogun, but his header drifted wide.
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Ngezi Platinum responded immediately from the resulting goal-kick as Farai Madhananga collected the ball in midfield, drove forward, and unleashed a powerful long-range effort that narrowly missed the target.
The opening half struggled to ignite as both teams failed to create clear-cut chances despite occasional promising moves.
In the 35th minute, Tanaka Munemo burst past Highlanders left-back Kudakwashe Mahachi before delivering a dangerous cross that was cleared for a corner by towering defender Lawrence Mhlanga.
Three minutes later, Andrew Mbeba produced a clever flick inside the penalty box, but the Ngezi defence reacted swiftly to clear before Adeogun could pounce.
Highlanders returned from the break with greater urgency and nearly broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half when in-form midfielder Mongameli Tshuma fired a blistering long-range shot over the crossbar after a stylish lay-off from Prince Ndlovu.
Tshuma had another glorious opportunity in the 56th minute after finding himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Darlington Musariranwa. However, instead of shooting early, he attempted to round the goalkeeper and was dispossessed, much to the frustration of the Bosso faithful.
The hosts dominated much of the second half but lacked composure in front of goal, wasting several opportunities as Ngezi Platinum held firm defensively.
Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari appeared to blunt his side’s attacking momentum when he withdrew the influential Prince Ndlovu for Reason Sibanda in the 58th minute. Ndlovu had troubled the visitors throughout the afternoon with his physical presence and creativity in midfield.
Mwaruwari admitted he could have made an error by substituting Ndlovu, but said the midfielder looked fatigued.
“I would say it’s a point gained and two points lost, considering that we played a very good and organised side. Ngezi deserve where they are. They have not been beaten in the past 13 games. They gave us a tough time today. We tried our best but couldn’t find the back of the net. We will be trying to get some points in the next game,” Mwaruwari said.
His counterpart, Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva, was pleased with the result.
“This is a point gained considering the opponent we were playing. Highlanders at Barbourfields is a very difficult venue for many teams. Highlanders had won their previous two matches, which gave them confidence. I am happy with my boys for their resilience in defending,” Mutiwekuziva said.
Teams
Highlanders: A Ngwenya, N Chinyerere, M Tshuma, P Ndlovu (R Sibanda 58’), K, R Nyamono (A Nkomo 66’) , A Mbeba, R Pavari, D Mukuli, B Adeogun (B Ncube (82’), L Mhlanga
Ngezi Platinum: D Musariranwa, G Chirwa, P Muchengete, M Kwinjo, S Mugariri, Q Amini (E Macdonald 61’) F Madhananga, B Katumba, T Munemo, M Gaki (A Karengrsha 61’), O Zvavarevi