Chicken Inn 1-3 Highlanders
Highlanders produced a spirited second-half comeback to defeat Chicken Inn 3-1 in a pulsating Bulawayo derby at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
The victory ended Bosso’s seven-match winless streak, but it came after a lacklustre first-half display that saw them trail early and struggle to impose themselves.
Chicken Inn made a bright start and took the lead in the ninth minute through Innocent Masiwa. The forward outpaced Andrew Mbeba in the box, cut inside and beat goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya with a composed finish.
The Gamecocks remained organised and disciplined, comfortably protecting their lead for the remainder of the first half while looking dangerous on the counter. Highlanders, meanwhile, laboured in possession and offered little threat going forward.
The match turned dramatically after the break.
The introduction of Darlington Mukuli and Prince Ndlovu injected urgency into Bosso’s play, shifting momentum decisively in their favour.
Highlanders equalised five minutes into the second half when Mbeba delivered a set piece that caused chaos in the box, allowing Mongameli Tshuma to poke home from close range.
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Mbeba’s deliveries continued to trouble Chicken Inn, and in the 68th minute another free kick led to the second goal. Goalkeeper Tymon Mvula punched the ball back into play, but Isaac Ngoma reacted quickest to fire in the rebound.
Ndlovu sealed the comeback with his first goal at Barbourfields, volleying home from the edge of the box after another partially cleared Mbeba set piece.
Chicken Inn coach Tonderayi Ndiraya admitted his side failed to maintain their first-half intensity.
“The Highlanders that played in the first half was totally different from the one that played in the second half. If you don’t concentrate in critical moments, you are punished. We had a good first half and were solid, but we dropped after the break,” he said.
Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari welcomed the win but urged caution.
“We have played tougher matches than this and performed well without winning. Today we got the result, but we cannot relax. There are still areas we need to improve, and we must respect every opponent,” he said.
Teams
Chicken Inn: T. Mvula, M. Hapmo, S. Louisom, I. Mabhunu, B. Rendo (F. Mostafa 77), G. Hute (V. Kawe 61), T. Chiwunga (B. Katinji 77), L. Chikuwa (G. Majika 65), I. Masiwa, L. Mangayira, T. Weungua (J. Tulane 61)
Highlanders: A. Ngwenya, N. Chinyerere, M. Tshuma, S. Mhlanga (D. Mukuli 46), K. Mahachi, S. Moyo (P. Ndlovu 46), A. Mbeba, R. Pavari, T. Shenje, N. Rauzhi (D. Jaricha 88), I. Ngoma (B. Ncube 90)
