HIGHLANDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1
AGAMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)0
A STOPPAGE-TIME blunder by Agama goalkeeper Wilson Brown handed Highlanders a dramatic victory and sent the Barbourfields Stadium faithful into wild celebrations in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match yesterday.
Brown, who had produced a man-of-the-match performance for much of the afternoon, endured a heartbreaking finish when he misjudged a dipping cross-shot from Royn Nyamano, allowing the ball to slip through his hands and into the net.
The goal broke Agama’s stubborn resistance and secured maximum points for Highlanders, who had dominated possession and chances, but looked destined for another frustrating afternoon.
Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari admitted his side had not been at their best, but was relieved to secure all three points.
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“A win is a win, whether we won badly or we won playing some good football,” Mwaruwari said.
“Today, we started very sharp upfront, but we didn’t get the goals as usual.
“At times when you start like that, you need to finish off teams.
“Last week, we had a similar game and lost, but today, we ended up with three points.”
Agama coach Godfrey Tamirepi was left disappointed after his side’s disciplined defensive display was undone at the death.
“Of course, we lost, but we gave a good fight and frustrated our opponents,” he said.
“We got a chance in the first half which we were supposed to bury, but unfortunately my player blasted over the bar.
“They came at us in the second half, we absorbed the pressure and defended very well.
“Unfortunately, in the last minute, we lost concentration and conceded. It is very disappointing after such a performance away from home.”
Highlanders should have taken an early lead in the ninth minute when Mongameli Tshuma was put through by captain Darlington Mukuli, but Brown produced a fine save from close range.
Agama nearly capitalised on a defensive mix-up seven minutes later after Lawrence Mhlanga’s misplaced back-pass left Richard Kumi with an opening, but the striker failed to take advantage as the ball rolled harmlessly out for a goal kick.
Tshuma continued to trouble the visitors and narrowly missed the target in the 23rd minute with a low drive after a loose ball fell kindly to him inside the box.
At the other end, Kumi squandered Agama’s best chance of the first half in the 29th minute when he beat the offside trap, but blasted over the bar with only goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya to beat.
Highlanders piled on the pressure after the break, but Agama’s defence stood firm while Brown repeatedly came to the rescue.
Mwaruwari sought fresh impetus in the 57th minute, introducing Isaac Ngoma and Kudakwashe Mahachi for Benjamin Adeogun and Never Rauzhi, respectively.
Agama almost caught Highlanders out in the 61st minute when Siphephelo Philiso’s teasing cross nearly deceived Ngwenya, who fumbled before recovering.
Two minutes later, Ngoma unleashed a fierce drive from distance that Brown did well to parry away.
Just when it seemed Agama had done enough to earn a valuable point, disaster struck in stoppage time.
Sibanda’s hopeful delivery from the left swerved awkwardly in the air and slipped through Brown’s grasp before nestling in the net, sparking scenes of jubilation among the Bosso supporters and heartbreak for the visitors.
The victory keeps Highlanders firmly in touch with the leading pack, while Agama were left to rue missed opportunities and a costly lapse in concentration.