Highlanders………………………0(1)
Black Mambas……………………..0
HIGHLANDERS played probably one of their worst game at Barbourfields this season but still managed to collect maximum points in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against a 10-man Black Mambas yesterday.
Tendai Chinungo was red-carded in the 29th minute after a lunge on Masimba Mambare but to their credit, Black Mambas matched Bosso man for man in a match that had little goalmouth action.
After the red card, Warumwa Warumwa’s technical team immediately wrote a letter of protest and handed it to the fourth official, Thomas Masaa, from Gweru. The referee, Munyaradzi Majoni had a good day in office though.
Despite their below par performance, Lawson Nkomo’s bullet deep into injury-time was worthy of a match winning goal in an afternoon in which visitors’ goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga would want to quickly forget.
“I feel very happy for scoring the goal that proved to be the match winner and what makes it extra special is that I am the first defender this season to score. Like we have always said we will remain focused on our games instead of worrying about how other teams play,” said an elated Nkomo.
Mateyaunga was guilty of some deliberate time wasting antics the whole afternoon. But as fate would have it five minutes were added on and disaster struck and in the process condemning his side to a painful loss and kept Bosso very much in the picture in the championship race.
The first half was a big yawn and there was very little to write home about with the Highlanders’ midfield struggling to find answers to the visitors’ engine room, which had Innocent Nyoni starring for the police side.
Black Mambas coach John Ncube was forced to sacrifice Nicholas Alifandika for Tawanda Muswera.
The second half saw fans being treated to some unsporting behaviour by the visitors’ players, chief culprit being the police side’s goalkeeper Mateyaunga who would continuously feign injury. Mambas, who were engaged in a kicking contest and time wasting paid dearly for being negative in their approach to the game.
From time wasting after being scored, the Black Mambas players were now the most active, picking up the ball whenever it went out.
“My boys played very well although the red card affected our rhythm. It’s game on now as we fight relegation and I still remain confident that we will survive,” said Black Mambas’ coach Ncube.
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu was happy with the win but castigated the unsportsmanlike behaviour by Black Mambas.
“We got a beautiful goal but I must say those delaying tactics where the ‘keeper kept feigning injuries were unwarranted. Such tactics are really bad for soccer.
“Today we were not as forceful as we should have been. I believe in my players and I believe we are going to conquer on our own,” said Kaindu.
TEAMS:
Highlanders: A Sibanda, I Mapuranga, B Kangwa, L Nkomo, M Maphosa, P Moyo (S Munawa 71st minute), M Mambare, M Ncube (H Masuku 50th minute), G Ncube (C Dube 56th minute), O Zibande, E Mudzingwa
Black Mambas: T Mateyaunga, K Kapitenyu, B Nyaunzvi, G Mangani, P Kachiraba (T Rantaboane 59th minute), N Alifandika (T Muswera 43rd minute), I Nyoni, S Mutenheri, L Chibwiro, T Chinungo.