Makepekepe break Bosso’s fortress

By Praise Dhlakama | 3h ago

The result marked Caps United’s first win at Barbourfields since 2016

HIGHLANDERS . . . . . . . (0)1

CAPS UNITED . . . . . . . . (1)2

CAPS United handed Highlanders their first defeat of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season with a dominant first-half display that secured a hard-fought victory at Barbourfields Stadium. The win saw Caps United extend their lead at the top to four points.

The result marked Caps United’s first win at Barbourfields since 2016.

Caps United made an early statement, creating two clear chances inside the opening minutes. Ishmael Wadi was denied in a one-on-one situation after a sharp save from Aaron Ngwenya in the fourth minute, before Takunda Benhura struck the crossbar in the 11th minute following a defensive mix-up between Ngwenya and Tawanda Shenje.

The visitors eventually broke through in the 35th minute after Andrew Mbeba lost possession and Shenje brought down Benhura in a dangerous area. Dominic Njaliwa’s free-kick confused the Bosso players in the box, and Kudzai Chigwida reacted quickest to fire home a first-time effort into the roof of the net.

Caps United coach Takesure Chiragwi said the first-half performance set the tone for victory.

“We had a very good first half. Coming into the second half, we knew that they would be coming to get an equaliser, but through that, we managed to get the second goal, which gave us another cushion. They kept attacking, so we needed to be cautious and manage the game. We were resilient and played well,” he said.

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Highlanders responded after the break by introducing Mvelo Khoza for the struggling Mbeba, but Caps struck again against the run of play in the 64th minute. Njaliwa’s free-kick was misjudged by goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya and ended up in the net, silencing the home crowd.

Bosso pulled one back in the 75th minute through Darlington Mukuli, who buried a rebound after his initial effort was blocked on the edge of the box. The goal lifted the atmosphere at Barbourfields, with Highlanders pushing hard for an equaliser.

Prince Ndlovu nearly drew level in the 80th minute when his curling effort struck the underside of the post, but Caps United held firm under sustained pressure to seal a crucial away win.

Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari admitted his side started poorly.

“Today we started badly, and when you play such an organised team, that is what happens. We conceded from two set pieces, and when you do that while not playing well, it’s difficult to come back. We played the last 20 minutes with zeal and caused them problems, but unfortunately, it was too late. This is a lesson for my boys,” he said

Teams

Highlanders: A Ngwenya, N Chinyerere, M Tshuma, P Ndlovu, K Mahachi, A Mbeba, R Pavari, T Shenje, N Rauzhi, D Mukuli, I Ngoma

Caps United: W Magalane, B Kandamanja, N Gurunde, K Chigwida, T Chamboko, O Chirinda, R Hachiro, D Njaliwa, C Kaongwa, T Benhura, I Wadi