The Sunday News
Harare Bureau
Ngezi Platinum Stars………………..1
Highlanders……………………………..1
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Erol Akbay continued with his blame game after his side failed to beat a 10-man Highlanders in a Castle Lager Premiership tie at Baobab yesterday.
The hosts rued the chances they missed earlier when Adrian Silla combined well with Brian Banda and Peter Mudhuwa on the right flank, which saw the Ngezi Platinum Stars defence failing to deal with the resultant cross from the Bosso right-back.
Mudhuwa capitalised on the error to volley home from close range and put the visitors upfront.
The lead only lasted for 11 minutes as Ngezi substitute Osi Miniru scored with his first touch after being introduced in the 79th minute.
“We had so many chances but lost two points.
“The problem is that we play good football but do not score. This has been our problem since the beginning of the season,” said Akbay.
While Akbay bemoaned two points lost, newly appointed Highlanders coach Mandla Mpofu was happy with the point gained.
“This is a precious point considering that we played with nine men (in-field players) for more than 80 minutes, it was an unbelievable performance from the boys.
“As my first game in charge, I would have loved to get maximum points but again, this was a precious point for us,” said Mpofu.
Highlanders were reduced to 10 men as early as the eighth minute when Andrew Mbeba went for a double-footed challenge on Barnabus Mushunje.
Referee Ruzive Ruzive did not hesitate to send the Bosso defender for an early shower.
But the red card did not deter the attacking mind of Bosso as both teams continued to interchange raids, with the hosts creating numerous scoring chances.
Ariel Sibanda had to be called to action to save Bosso on numerous occasions, clearing from the line a Keith Murera effort in the 28th minute before making a superb save to deny Bruno Mtigo’s long range strike.
After spending almost a year on the sidelines, Qadr Amini could have marked his return to action in style when he saw his tap hitting the upright on the stroke of half-time.
Highlanders had their first shot on target in the 62nd minute when Banda shot a free-kick from just outside the box.
Teams
Ngezi Platinum Stars
N. Chadya, X. Moyo (30 min B Mtigo) , Q. Amini, P. Moyo, F. Makarati, K.Murera (80 mins O Miniru), N. Ketala, B. Mushunje, D. Teguru, M. Charamba, M Mushonga.
Highlanders
A. Sibanda, B. Banda, C Kapupurika (70 mins A Silla), N. Masuku, P. Mudhuwa, M. Ndlovu, T. Makanda, M. Sibanda, D Mhindirira
