HIGHLANDERS . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .(0) 1
SHEASHAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(1) 1
HIGHLANDERS' title dreams continues to wane after they settled for a share of the spoils in their must-win Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash with Sheasham at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
Ngezi Platinum Stars, now on 51 points after another win yesterday, have opened a six-point lead over second-placed Bosso.
Sheasham' David Mangesi drew first blood for his side with a spectacular goal in the 39th minute, as the Gweru-based side sought to ease their relegation worries.
An unmarked Mangesi received the ball from the right, took his time and nicely curled his effort to the far right which left Highlanders' goalkeeper Ariel a spectator.
Without central defender Mbongeni Ndlovu due to suspension, the Highlanders defence struggled as coach Baltemar Brito opted for Andrew Tandi who appeared to be limping throughout the game.
Stanley Ngala restored parity in the 75th minute from inside the box after he was set up by Tandi.
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Debutant Gillian Nyathi on the right and Archford Faira on the left were out of sorts and Brito substituted them at half time, to bring in Rahman Kutsanzira and Brighton Manhire.
But Brito felt hard done by the referee's decision to disallow a Lynoth Chikuhwa goal in optional time.
Chikuhwa took advantage of a through ball by Elton but the far-side linesman Brilliant Sibanda appeared to have had his flag up already.
“In the end, there was a goal that was disallowed and me and all the people that were in the stadium don't understand why? The goal would give victory to us. Of course, we did not play well,we dropped two points but I still don't understand why that decision?" Brito said.
Sheasham coach Lizwe Sweswe was happy with the point away from home.
“The boys did very well but I am worried by the chances that we created. Our conversion rate is very low but what is important is we cam create the chances and we now want to have more goals. That point will take us somewhere. Playing big teams and away from home and you get a point is a plus for survival,” Sweswe said.
An early scare for Highlanders arrived in the 15th minute but Hillary Bakacheza hit the side net from a header.
Ray Lunga shot at goal in the 20th minute but his affort was saved by Sheasham goalkeeper Elton Sibanda after the striker was sent through by Washington Navaya.
Highlanders got a free-kick two minutes later through Andrew Mbeba but Elton Sibanda came to Sheasham's rescue again.
In the 27th minute, Sheasham's Mhare broke free in a counter-attack and produced a weak shot which did not bother a steady Ariel Sibanda.
The visitors missed on another chance to increase the tally in the 68th minute as Mhare shot over the cross bar from inside the penalty area after a defensive gaffe by the Bulawayo giants.
Bosso will play Simba Bhora at Baobab Stadium in Mhondoro-Ngezi on Saturday.
Teams
Highlanders: A Sibanda, A Mbeba, A Faira (R Kutsanzira 46'), A Tandi, P Muduhwa, G Nyathi (B Manhire 46'), R Lunga (L Chikuhwa 61'), M Ncube, W Navaya, M Mushore, S Ngala
Sheasham: E Sibanda, S Mhare (K Musharu 69') K Collin, P Madhazi, L Masveure, W Stima, D Mangesi, R Useni, H Bakacheza, T Jubane, P Shoko
