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Fungai Muderere in BULAWAYO

Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .(1) 1

Manica Diamonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1

HIGHLANDERS had a dream start to their game against Manica Diamonds, but a gem of a goal from the visitors before the break made sure that Jairos Tapera’s men secured a crucial point away from home.

Bosso went into the lead in this Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash, as early as the first minute through Brighton Ncube before a brilliant goal from Tawanda Macheke, just before the 20th minute, cancelled Maninja’s opener.

The Bosso striker found himself unmarked inside the box as the ball fell on to his path for him to powerfully tap home, to give the hosts a dream start against an in-form Gem Boys.

After a flying start to the game, Ncube came close to scoring a brace and making it two for Bosso in the 17th minute.

His shot from close range failed to beat Geoffrey Chitsumba in goals for Manica Diamonds.

Two minutes later, in the 19th minute, the Gem Boys produced a fine passage of play, which ended with Macheke putting the ball in the back of the net to level matters.

At the start of the second half, the Gem Boys, for whom coach Tapera is the Castle Premier League Coach of the Month for April, looked the better of the two sides.

They had two clear chances early on in the second half. Half-time substitute, Michael Tapera found himself in the box, but skied his effort over the bar after receiving a pass from Macheke.

In the 63rd minute, Highlanders striker Lynoth Chikuhwa had a good chance, but his shot from the edge of the box went wide.

Soon after, Bret Amidu’s attempt was coolly dealt with by Raphael Pitisi, who was once again, in goals for Bosso.

In the last minute, Mvelo Khoza made a goal-line clearance to keep Bosso in the game.

The poorly attended match by Bosso standards would go on to end in a deadlock.

But for Manica Diamonds the point was enough to see them return to the apex of the log standings with 26 points, one ahead of second-placed FC Platinum while Bosso are third with 21 points.

TEAMS:

Highlanders: R Pitisi, M Chigumira, D Mhindirira (P Ndlovu, 87mins), L Chikuhwa, Mckinnon Mushore, A Mbeba (M Khoza, 80mins), Mason Mushore, P Muduhwa, G Nyathi (B Mlotshwa, 90mins), B Ncube (C Chigonero, 87mins), M Ncube

Manica Diamonds: G Chitsumba , L Masibhera, T Jubani, F Banda, T Chisi, J Takunda, N Mupinduki (E Karembo, 73mins), B Amidu (K Dhemere, 73mins), C Teguru, P Mtasa (M Tapera, 46mins), T Macheke (F Binzi, 80mins)