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David Mandigora

Ricky Zililo in BULAWAYO
Chicken Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 2
Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 0
LEADERS Highlanders were rudely brought down to earth by Chicken Inn in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash at Barbourfields yesterday. The defeat brought an end to Bosso’s nine-match unbeaten streak as the champions deservedly extended their dominance over Bosso through goals in each half by striker Obidiah Tarumbwa and veteran midfielder Clemence Matawu.

Yesterday’s meeting was the 11th between the two clubs and Chicken Inn have won five times and drawn five times, only losing once since gaining promotion into the PSL in 2011. Tarumbwa gave Chicken Inn the lead in the 28th minute when he tucked the ball into the far post, beating Highlanders’ goalkeeper Njabulo Nyoni.

Tarumbwa started the move that resulted in the goal by picking up a loose ball just after the centre line and leaving Highlanders’ right-back Benson Phiri for dead before playing a one-two with Matawu before beating Nyoni with ease. Tarumbwa, who crossed the floor from Highlanders to Chicken Inn at the beginning of the year, did not celebrate the goal.

Matawu then killed the contest in the 89th minute after breaking on a counter attack.

In a futile quest to get a late equaliser from a corner kick, Highlanders pushed eight players into the Chicken Inn penalty box for a Brian Banda delivery. However, when Chicken Inn broke, they tossed the ball behind Bosso’s last man Peter Muduhwa.

Goalkeeper Nyoni hesitated to attack the ball and when he finally decided to go for it, Matawu had the easiest task of scoring into an empty net. Chicken Inn coach Rahman Gumbo said silencing Highlanders’ supporters worked in their favour.

“Our strategy was simple; to silence their 12th player. We knew that if we eliminate supporters, they become an ordinary side. We silenced their supporters by maintaining possession and forcing them to look for the ball. However, it was a tight game, but we had a bit of an edge player for player. I think my players were also tactically and technically superior,” Gumbo said.

Meanwhile, A second half solitary goal from Triangle captain Nhamo Lameck was enough to earn the home side full set of points in their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against struggling Tsholotsho at Gibbo yesterday.

The win was a relief for coach David Mandigora and his charges who last tasted victory against Mutare City at the same venue before going for three consecutive fixtures without victory.

The first half was sketchy as Triangle continued to struggle in the middle of the park, they could not create meaningful chances but they were solid at the back.

Tsholotsho on the other side were unlucky not to be on the score-sheet in the first half as they twice hit the woodwork before the opposite frame of goal denied them another chance in the second half.

Mandigora handed full debut to goalkeeper Francis Nico ahead of seasoned keeper Ronald Mudimu and young Tapiwa Chilenga but the debutant grabbed his opportunity with some fine saves that kept Triangle in the game.

Triangle’s goal came after the hour mark with some interesting exchanges from Rodwell Mhlanga and Malvin Gaki on the left flank.