Highlanders crush Shabanie 4-1

Bulawayo giants Highlanders got back to winning ways after crushing Shabanie Mine 4-1 at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday. The victory lifted the spirits of their fans who had to endure a season opening draw with Chapungu last week. 

Goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya broke the Highlanders goal duck with two goals from the penalty spot in the eighth and 42nd minutes. Knox Mutizwa scored Bosso’s third with Milton Ncube scoring a gem in the fourth minute of extra time.

Shabanie pulled one back through Louis Matawu in the 63rd minute.

Highlanders coach Mark Mathe was happy with the goal harvest after they struggled to score during the opening match and pre-season friendly games.

“It was a good outing for us, the goals were illusive in the opening game and pre-season friendlies, we hope to build from here,” said Mathe.

“We lacked concentration in the second half and we failed to press and our recovery was bad,” said Mathe.

Shabanie Mine coach John Phiri said “we were outplayed, but the first two goals were give away penalties. I told my boys at half time that they had nothing to lose so they upped their tempo in the second half.”

Teams: 

Highlanders: Munyaradzi Diya, Simon Munawa, Bruce Kangwa, Innocent Mapuranga, Dumisani Ndlovu, Mthulisi Maphosa, Erick Mudzingwa, Knox Mutizwa ( Rahman Kutsanzira 59th minute), Milton Ncube, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Charles Sibanda (Gabriel Nyoni 59th minute, (Welcome Ndiweni 76th minute).

Shabanie Mine: Victor Twaliki, Nelson Merson, Smart Muchabaiwa, Rodney Mware, Godknows Murwira, Hardlife Mavundi, Zvikomborero Bizeki (Xolani Ncube 27minute), Louis Matawu, Tolbert Mthombeni (Daniel Chakupe 83rd minute), Allan Tavarwisa, Carlso Mesi (Ashley Mukwenja 67th minute).

Officials: Bekezela Makeka, Tione Kacheche, Salani Ncube