Bosso defend ZNA Charity Cup

By Sikhumbuzo Moyo

Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 0
Harare City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
(Highlanders won 4-2 after penalty shoot-outs)

Highlanders gallantly defended the ZNA Commander Charities Shield in penalties over a determined Harare City in yesterday’s final at Barbourfields Stadium.

With the win, Highlanders banked $12 000, while Harare City went home with $8 000. It was also a game in which third choice goalkeeper Prosper Matutu endeared himself to the Highlanders’ fans between the sticks.

Following a nil-all stalemate after 90 minutes, the two teams went into the dreaded penalty lottery in which Bosso prevailed 4-2. Harare City had two spot kicks saved by the outstanding Matutu, who was also responsible for the match going into the shoot-out.

Highlanders scored through well taken spot kicks by Erick Mudzingwa, Prince Dube, Simon Munawa and Peter Muduhwa, while William Manondo and Jerry Chipangura scored their spot kicks for the visitors.

Experienced Ronald Chitiyo had his spot kick cleanly saved, while Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye’s effort was blocked by Matutu.

“I am thankful for the trust shown in me by the coaches. I must say I was shocked when the line-up was announced. You know, playing at home for the first time can be demanding,” said an elated Matutu after the match.

Harare City enjoyed most of the possession, especially in the first half, but their territorial advantage yielded nothing as Highlanders, like most of their matches lately, adopted a wait and see attitude, never attacking unless sure of a kill, in the process frustrating the visitors.

“We could have killed the match inside 90 minutes, but we failed to convert the chances that came our way and when it came to the penalty lottery, we could not pick the correct numbers,” said Harare City coach Moses Chunga.

With the dominance of Harare City, it was not surprising that Highlanders’ first chance at goal came in the 34th minute, but midfielder King Nadolo failed to compose himself in front of goal and shot wide with only the keeper to beat.

Two minutes later young Brian Banda’s ambitious shot from outside the box went over the bar. The youngster had a good day in office especially after being shifted from the wing to play just in front of Mudzingwa. Given more game time, he can cause a lot of damage to the opposition.

The visitors got another chance in the 37th minute, but Chitiyo shot over the bar.

In the 47th minute, Martin Vengesai found himself unmarked inside the box, but his shot was punched out for a corner by an alert Matutu.

Bosso coach Erol Akbay made his first substitution in the 55th minute, removing the ineffective Nadolo for Godfrey Makarutse, whose presence tilted the game in favour of the home team as they started venturing forward.

Immediately after coming on, Makarutse spotted an onrushing Gabriel Nyoni, who beat his marker and delivered a cross inside the box, but Nhlanhla Ndlovu’s acrobatic kick was well dealt by Maxwell Nyamupangedengu in goal for Harare City.

Moments later, Ndlovu shook his head in disbelief after he shot wide having dispossessed Diro Nyenye right on the penalty arc. Perhaps his immaturity came to the fore as a more experienced player would have composed himself before shooting.

Four minutes before full-time, Dexter Mawere let loose a screamer from the penalty arc, but Matutu was again equal to the task, as he punched the ball out for a corner.

Highlanders ended the match the more offensive side, but could not find the back of the net.

“I am a happy man today although we did not play well, especially in the first half,” said Akbay.

Teams

Highlanders: Prosper Matutu, King Nadolo (Godfrey Makarutse 55th min), Prince Dube, Brian Banda, Julius Daudi, Felix Chindungwe, Peter Muduhwa, Tendai Ngulube, Erick Mudzingwa, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Gabriel Nyoni (Simon Munawa, 90th min)

Unused subs: Nkosana Ndlovu, McCarthy Dube, Adrian Silla, Tendai Ndlovu, and Njabulo Nyoni

Harare City: Maxwell Nyamupangedengu, Dexter Mawere, Takudzwa Chimwemwe, Arnold Chiveya, Learnmore Muyambo, Kudakwashe Kamwala (Jerry Chipangura 72nd min) Martin Vengesai, James Jam (William Manondo 72nd min), Fransisco Zekumbawira Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye

Unused subs: Tumba Tatenda, Benson Maglasi, Raymond Uchena, Grey Kufandanda, and Tatenda Munditu. The Chronicle