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Sikhumbuzo Moyo in BULAWAYO

Highlanders . . . (2) 2

How Mine . . . .. . 0

TWO first half goals gave Highlanders their first win of the second half of the season as they beat a tactically-disciplined How Mine before a virtually empty Barbourfields yesterday with Bosso fans choosing not to come and support their team.

The Bulawayo giants had been having a miserable run until they turned it around with yesterday’s win.

How Mine coach Kelvin Kaindu said it was unfortunate his boys lost to a team that, until yesterday’s match, had been losing while they have been grinding results.

Bosso, who had gone for six matches without a win, got their goals through a 29th minute penalty from stand-in skipper Eric Mudzingwa and a low header from newboy Allen Gahadzikwa, three minutes into time added on, in the first period.

Highlanders had the chance to draw first blood but Simon Munawa failed to do justice to a Prince Dube delivery in the ninth minute.

Bosso were then forced to make a substitution in the 29th minute when goalkeeper Prosper Matutu sustained an injury and had to be replaced by Ariel Sibanda.

Coach Elroy Akbay’s men shot into the lead nine minutes before the break after Mudzingwa converted a penalty.

Gahadzikwa was brought down inside the box by Kudzai Chideu and the referee pointed to the spot.

And, deep in time added on in the first half, Bosso doubled their lead.

Winger Rahman Kutsanzira won a free-kick on the right side and took the resultant set-piece.

His delivery found centre-back Tendai Ndlovu whose headed assist found Gahadzikwa well positioned to score.

Kaindu brought in Timothy January for Heritein Masuku in the 56th minute and the move almost paid dividends three minutes later but Sibanda saved Bosso with a brilliant diving stop.

January was to see red in the 63rd minute for using foul language to referee Nduna Nkosana.

“It’s sad that we lost him moments after coming in and I am really not happy with that but this is football,” said Kaindu.

“We could have avoided that penalty but I still feel we played better than them, especially in the second half.”

Bosso assistant coach Amini Soma-Phiri was also sent to the stands for foul language towards the match officials.

“The most important thing was three points, not nice football,” said Akbay.

Teams:

Highlanders: P. Matutu (A. Sibanda 29th min), R. Kutsanzira (B. Banda 87th min), S. Munawa, P. Dube, T. Ndlovu, P. Muduhwa, H. Moyo, N. Ndlovu, A. Gahadzikwa( K. Nadolo 70th min), E. Mudzingwa

How Mine: D. Bernard, P. Tonha, Q. Amini, K. Chideu (T. Ranthokoane 50th min) S. Nyambabvu, M. Sakala, T. Banda (A. Muganyi 70th min) M. Ncube, T. Makanda, H. Masuku (T. January 56th min), P. Manhanga.