The Sunday News
Highlanders ………………………………………. 0
FC Kariba …………………………………….. (0) 1
AN unworkable 5-3-2 formation, and a missed penalty saw Amin Soma-Phiri’s five-match unbeaten run come to an ubrupt end when Highlanders fell to bogey side ZPC Kariba in a lukewarm Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
And the goal that made the difference came barely seconds after the restart of the second half of the game. With everyone still settling on their seats, veteran Limited Chikafa turned Highlanders defender Felix Chindungwe inside out before firing past a hapless Ariel Sibanda in goals for Bosso.
Highlanders were presented a chance to find the equaliser 28 minutes into the second period when Pride Tafirenyika brought down Obadiah Tarumbwa in the box.
Tarumbwa gave himself the responsibility of taking the resultant penalty kick, but was denied by the post.
And yet Highlanders had the most of the opportunities especially in a first half in which they had virtually camped in their opponents’ area.
Tarumbwa failed to capitalise from a spill by Tendai Hove in goals for the visitors 18 minutes into play, again shooting wide when fed by King Nadolo.
The visitors should have punished the home side for that miss two minutes later, but Leonard Fiyado when fed by Chikafa, fell in the box when it mattered most.
Highlanders’ most realistic chance came just on the hour mark when a neat exchange of passes involving Nadolo, Nqobizitha Masuku and Tarumbwa saw the latter’s goal bound effort come off an impressive FC Kariba defender Dennis Dauda. But Highlanders were presented with another chance to grab the early initiative in the 42 minutes, but Ralph Matema’s free header went wide when fed by Tendai Ngulube.
Highlanders’ technical director Cosmas “Tsano’’ Zulu blamed the loss on their failure to utilise the chances that came their way.
“This is our bogey side, we did everything but they got a chance and they beat us. We lost it because we did not utilise our chances,’’ said Zulu.
FC Kariba coach Sunday Chidzambwa said the victory was sweet as it was always difficult for any team to come to the City of Kings and grab maximum points from Highlanders.
