Innocent Kurira At Barbourfields Stadium
Highlanders 0-2 TelOne
HIGHLANDERS interim coach Try Ncube apologised to the club’s fans following a 2–0 home defeat to TelOne yesterday, a result that added to growing frustrations among the Bosso faithful.
The coach felt they were not giving the fans the performances they deserve.
“Sometimes you feel sorry for the fans,” Ncube said after the final whistle. “They come in their numbers and they don’t deserve what they are getting now.”
Bosso started brightly but were punished early when Tawanda Macheke capitalised on a lapse in concentration to slot past Ariel Sibanda in the ninth minute.
It was a deserved lead for TelOne, who had already threatened through Washington Navaya just moments earlier.
Despite enjoying more possession, Highlanders struggled in the final third. They created a few chances with Prince Ndlovu firing over the bar and Reason Sibanda seeing an effort cleared off the line. Their decision-making remained poor.
The turning point came with 15 minutes remaining when referee Tichaona Mbire awarded Highlanders a penalty for handball. TelOne protested fiercely, but the decision stood. Captain Ariel Sibanda stepped up, only to see his effort saved by Chris Mverechena, who guessed correctly to preserve his side’s lead.
That miss proved costly.
In stoppage time, former Bosso striker Navaya sealed the win for TelOne, calmly finishing past Sibanda to register his 12th goal of the season and silence the home crowd.
TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa credited tactical changes for the result.
“I’m happy with the way the guys responded having gone two games without a win,” he said. “We did our homework. Highlanders always concede through the centre, so we came with two strikers and switched from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2. It paid off.” Bosso pressed hard in the second half, with Archford Faira creating openings from the left and Mason Mushore trying his luck from a free-kick. But TelOne defended with discipline and kept their shape.
On the hour mark, Navaya attempted a shot from outside the box which went wide.
Bosso got their first real chance at goal in the second half when Reason Sibanda, put through on goal, chipped the ball over Mverechena but an alert TelOne defender cleared the ball before the Highlanders strike could head home.
Moments later, the penalty came.
With five minutes left on the clock, Faira dribbled past the TelOne defence, sent in a brilliant cross from the left which Reason Sibanda failed to connect.
The result leaves Highlanders struggling to find form and direction, while TelOne climbed the table with three crucial points.
Highlanders are on position nine with 29 points while Telone are on position six with 40 points.
Teams:
Highlanders: Ariel Sibanda (gk), Arthur Ndlovu, Melikhaya Ncube, Prince Ndlovu (Panashe Mushonga, 46mins), Tendai Muvuti (Reason Sibanda 46mins), Malvern Hativagoni (Mvelo Khoza, 46mins), Brighton Ncube, Mason Mushore, Never Rauzhi, Archford Faira, Luckmore Mutumbi.
TelOne: Chriss Mverechena (gk), Frank Makarati, Tafadzwa Jaravani, Nkosiyabo Masilela (Panashe Mtasa, 63mins), Kudakwashe Nyakudanga, Pawell Govere, Eriya Mafirenyika, Bruno Mtigo, Tawanda Macheke, Prince Milanzi (Leeroy Murape, 63mins), Washington Navaya.