Tobias Mandoreba in HWANGE
Hwange…………………(0) 1
Highlanders………………. 0
IS the Highlanders championship bid fizzling out in what appears to be a nightmarish second half of the season?
Yesterday, Bosso suffered another loss after going down to the Colliery.
A 58th minute stunning goal by substitute Lloyd Mutoma, with his very first touch of the game, was all Hwange needed to silence the predominantly Bosso crowd.
Coach Baltemar Brito, in his first assignment since being appointed interim Warriors coach, said his charges gave a good account of themselves despite the loss.
“We lost the game due to a lapse in concentration by the boys that led to the goal but congratulations to them for the show.
“We wanted a win but it could not be the case, that is the game of football.”
The encounter drew òne of the largest crowds ever witnessed at the Colliery Stadium.
Edmore Sibanda, standing in for Hwange coach Nation Dube, whose voice had gone hoarse through barking of instructions, praised his men for their gallant show.
“It was such a good and spirited performance by the boys who always raise their game when playing big teams.
“They are still learning and I am happy they will continue such impressive results like this one today.”
Mutoma came in for another youthful player, Tendai Muvhuti, and made the huge difference to garner maximum points for Chipangano, who are fighting for survival in this league.
The strike gave veteran Bosso goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda no chance as he dived in vain.
Asked about his wonder goal, after the match, Mutoma said:
“From the bench, I was tipped that Ariel is not diving much in the game so when the ball came to me my teammate Shepard urged me to shoot and I am glad I caught it sweetly and gave my team all the points.”
Hwange created the first chance of the afternoon in the 10th minute when big striker Pritchard Mpelele broke loose and came face-to-face with Sibanda only to fluff his lines.
Bosso then started launching forays from the right flank revolving around Elshamar Farasi and it was no surprise when Hwange gaffer Dube pulled out leftback Ralyton Maphosa in the 25th minute.
HE was finding it difficult to contain the slippery Farasi.
Hwange goalminder Nedrick Madeya made the first of his heroic saves on the half hour mark when he smothered a flashing Andrew Mbeba header from the line to deny Bosso the breakthrough.