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Norman Mapeza

Sikhumbuzo Moyo in BULAWAYO
Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . (0) 1
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 2
HIGHLANDERS conceded two stupid goals against visiting FC Platinum in a Castle Lager Premiership soccer match played before a good and appreciative crowd at Barbourfields yesterday. Despite the loss, Highlanders displayed some good football with coach Erol Akbay even fielding youngsters Prince Dube, Adrian Silla, Danmore Chakwana and Benson Phiri.

Walter Musona and Obrey Chirwa scored the visitors’ two goals in the 23rd and 51st minute respectively, while lively winger Rahman Kutsanzira grabbed Bosso’s consolation following a sleek move that saw marksman Knox Mutizwa stylishly back-heeling to him to convert beyond the reach of goalkeeper Petros Mhari.

Mutizwa, however, had a bad day in the office yesterday and the back heeler was probably his only positive contribution. The goal seemed to awaken Highlanders from their slumber, as they started running rings around their opponents, but the equaliser proved elusive.

“We conceded two stupid goals, but I am happy with the performance of my boys. I, however, feel we wasted too many chances and you can’t win a match if you do that. It’s what really makes me sad,” said Akbay.

“The goals came because we did not defend as a team, but our fans should not worry much, there is nothing wrong with the team. We played well. I also want to salute our fans; even when we were 2-0 down, they kept urging us on. I hope that spirit continues throughout the season,” said the Dutchman, who was in charge of his first home league match.

He said he would not be making changes to the team that did duty yesterday after general sentiments that central defender Tendai Ndlovu was a bit jittery, especially on one-on-one situations, one of which gifted the visitors their second goal.

Ndlovu slipped with the ball inside his box and a grateful Chirwa collected and cooly slotted past exposed goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda in the 51st minute.

Norman Mapeza, the FC Platinum coach, was a relieved man after the game. “We are happy with the win. We came here to play simple football and it gave us results. I just hope the momentum continues so that we collect as many points as possible in the first half of the season,” said Mapeza.

The match had kicked off with both sides eager to find an early goal to unsettle the other, but nothing materialised until the 23rd minute when Musona reacted swiftly to pounce onto a loose ball that had been forced onto the upright by goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda.

The goal did not seem to unsettle Bosso, as they maintained their shape, although they unnecessarily lost possession in the visitors’ final third where Kelvin Moyo and Gift Bello stood firm.

Upfront, former Triangle United striker Hillary Bakacheza was a thorn in the flesh of the Highlanders’ defence.

Akbay made a tactical change in the second half, switching from a 4-4-2 to 3-5-2 formation in a bid to break the FC Platinum midfield that had former Bosso midfielder Nqobizitha Masuku directing play.

It was after the change in formation that Highlanders finally found their face saver through Kutsanzira.

Teams

Highlanders: A. Sibanda, F. Chindungwe, T. Ndlovu, H. Moyo (A. Silla 69th minute), B. Phiri, S. Munawa, B. Kangwa, K. Nadolo (D. Chakwana ), R. Kutsanzira, P. Dube, K. Mutizwa.

FC Platinum: P. Mhari, I. Nekati, G. Bello, K. Moyo, E. Moyo, W. Mhango, N. Masuku (S. Shoko 90th minute), T. Dzumbunu (G. Takwara 63rd minute), W. Musona, H. Bakacheza (R. Chinyengetere 74th minute), O. Chirwa