Scottland FC 0-0 Highlanders
HARARE, Apr. 6 (NewsDay Live) – Former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari is still searching for his elusive first win as Highlanders head coach after his side played out their sixth consecutive draw of the season—a goalless stalemate against defending champions Scottland FC at Rufaro Stadium.
The result marks a remarkable, if frustrating, fourth straight 0–0 draw for Bosso. Despite the lack of goals, the Bulawayo giants remain unbeaten six matches into the campaign, though they sit 12th on the 18-team log.
Speaking after the match, Mwaruwari found positives in his team’s defensive solidity.
“My boys played very well. We were up against the champions, a side with quality all over the pitch. To come here and get a point is a point gained,” he said.
“What makes me happy is our consistency at the back. We have now gone four games without conceding. We are building from there.”
Addressing the goal drought, the former Manchester City striker remained optimistic.
“We are creating chances; we are just missing that final touch. I’ve been a striker—I know it’s not easy under pressure. We are working on it, and hopefully the goals and wins will come soon.”
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Scottland FC coach Norman Mapeza described the encounter as a tactical contest with limited openings.
“It was a game of few chances. They had a good opportunity, and we also had one towards the end of the first half,” Mapeza said.
“In the last 20 minutes we looked better going forward, but it’s football—we drew and we take the point.”
The first half was cagey, defined more by tactical discipline than attacking intent, but it came alive shortly before the break.
Highlanders nearly took the lead five minutes before halftime when Reason Sibanda was released by a well-weighted pass from Mongameli Tshuma. With only goalkeeper Nelson Chadya to beat, Sibanda dragged his effort wide.
Scottland responded immediately. On the stroke of halftime, Terrence Dzvukamanja threaded a pass to captain Walter Musona, whose attempted dink was well read and smothered by Highlanders goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya.
Highlanders started the second half with a high press that almost paid off. A misplaced backpass from Shidolo was intercepted by Brighton Ncube, but a heavy touch allowed the defence to recover.
The visitors continued to threaten, and it took a superb fingertip save from Chadya to deny Andrew Mbeba, whose curling free-kick seemed destined for the top corner.
For the champions, Khama Billiat was a constant menace, drifting between the lines and beating defenders, though often lacking support. Scottland’s closest chance came late on when Abubakar Moffat struck a low drive that beat Ngwenya but rattled the left upright.
While the string of draws is unusual, context offers some mitigation for Mwaruwari. The Highlanders coach was appointed deep into the off-season, missing a significant portion of pre-season preparations. His opening fixtures have also been demanding, featuring encounters against Dynamos F.C., FC Platinum, Simba Bhora F.C., MWOS, Scottland and Bulawayo Chiefs.
For Scottland, the draw ends a three-match winning streak. They remain fourth on the table, three points behind leaders CAPS United.
Highlanders return to Bulawayo this weekend, where they will look to convert draws into wins when they host ZPC Kariba at Barbourfields Stadium.
