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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
Highlanders 2-1 Caps United

HIGHLANDERS’ new boy McClive Phiri scored a beauty as 10-man Bosso beat Caps United in the Vice-President Kembo Mohadi Charity Shield at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.

Phiri started a move in his own half in the 54th minute and went on to finish it following a good interchange of passes. Having won a tussle for possession, Phiri released the ball to Adrian Silla, who returned the pass to him.

Phiri then played the ball into the path of Gabriel Nyoni, who sent in a cross from the right, which Caps United keeper Prosper Chigumba punched into the path of Phiri, who fired a blistering shot to secure Bosso victory.

The match had started off with both sides sizing up each other, with the first chance of the day falling to veteran Oscar Machapa, whose shot from the edge of the box hit the upright in the 15th minute.

A minute later, Bosso scored from the penalty spot through Adrian Silla after Caps United left-back Godwin Goriati felled striker Newman Sianchali inside the box. Sianchali had been set through by the impressive Phiri.

Highlanders’ lead only lasted a minute, as Caps United drew level through Brian Muzondiwa, who got to the end of a Hardlife Zvirekwi cross from the right. Muzondiwa caught the Highlanders’ backline flatfooted.

Bosso went on to finish the first half strongly, and with a bit of luck and precision, they could have headed into the break leading by a two-goal margin.

Thabo Lunga was unfortunate not to give Highlanders the lead in the 27th minute when his shot went past Chigumba at the near post, but didn’t cross the line.

Sensing danger, Caps United coach Lloyd Chitembwe made a double substitution in the 30th minute, bringing in midfielder Joel Ngodzo for Machapa and Method Mwanjali replaced Godwin Goriati.

Caps United then restricted Highlanders to their own half towards the break but the youthful Bosso held on.

Both sides returned from the breather determined to get an early goal, but it was Bosso who pounced through a 54th minute strike by Phiri.

Highlanders were reduced to 10-man after skipper Honest Moyo was shown a straight red card for head-butting Muzondiwa in an off the ball incident. Muzondiwa escaped with a yellow card.

Highlanders who were a man down, readjusted and kept piling pressure on Caps United. Bosso were pumping long balls to top man Sianchali, who kept Caps United’s central defence of Mwanjali and Stephen Makatuka on their toes.

Highlanders’ goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda was called to make a brilliant save in the 88th minute to deny Wisdom Mutasa from close range.

A minute later, Muzondiwa fluffed a glorious opportunity when he headed Zvirekwi’s cross wide while unmarked in the box.

Bosso midfielder Silla had his long-range effort tipped out for a corner in the referee’s optional time.

Highlanders’ coach Madinda Ndlovu was happy with his team’s performance.

“I think the boys continued from where they left when we lost 1-2 to Dynamos. They played well, showed hunger to win and their ball management was good even when we were a man down,” said Ndlovu.

Caps United’s Chitembwe said:

“I’m happy because I saw many improvements in many aspects of the game. Technically, tactically, physically and mentally the players are good. We will be making some decisions on some of the players after this game.”

Teams
Highlanders: Ariel Sibanda, McClive Phiri, Honest Moyo, Charlton Siamalonga, Peter Muduhwa, Ben Munsaka, Adrian Silla, Brian Banda, Gabriel Nyoni, Thabo Lunga (Bukhosi Ncube, 57th minute), Newman Sianchali

Caps United: Prosper Chigumba, Hardlife Zvirekwi, Zvikomborero Bizeki (Carlton Munzabwa, 73rd minute), Godwin Goriati (Method Mwanjali, 30th minute), Stephen Makatuka, Valentine Musarurwa, Dominic Mukandi (Cabby Kamapa, 83rd minute), Kudzai Nyamupfukudza (Wisdom Mutasa, 63rd minute), Oscar Machapa (Joel Ngodzo, 30th minute), Brian Muzondiwa, John Zhuwawo (Tony Mafugo, 80th minute).
— @ZililoR