Highlanders 0-0 FC Platinum
BULAWAYO, Apr. 3 (NewsDay Live) – Highlanders FC and FC Platinum played out a drab goalless draw at Barbourfields Stadium in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Week Five encounter.
The match failed to live up to expectations, lacking the intensity and excitement that have characterised previous meetings between the two sides, much to the disappointment of a sizeable crowd.
Highlanders’ struggles continued, with the Bulawayo giants now drawing all five of their opening matches this season. They are yet to score from open play at Barbourfields, with their only home goal coming via a penalty converted by Nigerian forward Benjamin Adeougun in their season opener.
Pressure is beginning to mount on Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari, who vented his frustration by throwing a water bottle to the ground after the final whistle.
“I’d prefer to win and not lose as well. Every coach does not want to lose a game. At the moment we are missing those three points,” said Mwaruwari.
“We have to work hard to get them, and we all know how important they are. From the beginning of the season, we have faced tough games, and I think there won’t be any easy matches in the PSL this year.”
FC Platinum coach Joel Luphahla also expressed mixed emotions after his side registered a third consecutive draw.
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“I’m proud of the effort from the boys, but disappointed we couldn’t get maximum points,” said Luphahla.
“A point away at Barbourfields is valuable, but we are under pressure because other teams are winning. Three draws in a row are not good enough for our standards.”
The first half offered little in terms of goalmouth action, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Although the tempo improved after the break, quality in the final third remained lacking.
FC Platinum looked the more threatening side in the second half, particularly after introducing former Highlanders players Oscar Bhebhe and McKinnon Mushore.
They nearly snatched a late winner in the 89th minute when Mushore delivered a cross to an unmarked Thubelihle Jubane, but Highlanders goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya reacted quickly to gather the effort before the forward could direct it goalwards.
The hosts’ best early chance fell to Tadiwa Muchenje in the fourth minute, but he miscued his finish after being played through by captain Mbongeni Ndlovu.
Never Rauzhi came close for Highlanders in the 39th minute, but his effort drifted wide despite better passing options in the box.
Late on, Nomore Chinyerere’s free kick nearly caught FC Platinum goalkeeper Manfred Ekoi off guard, but he did well to smother the ball and preserve the clean sheet.
