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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
JUST when Dynamos thought they were on course to exert revenge on Highlanders, the Bulawayo giants pulled a stunner in the dying stages of yesteday’s Castle Lager Premiership game at Barbourfields Stadium by scoring two quickfire goals to send their fans into delirium.

Central defender Tendai Ndlovu cancelled Dynamos’ 28th minute lead when he rose high to head in a well delivered corner kick by Erick Mudzingwa. The goal gave back Bosso fans their voices and spurred their side to a magnificent victory.

The euphoric atmosphere at Barbourfields Stadium after Highlanders’ equaliser was complemented by man-of-the-match Peter Muduhwa, who took matters into his own hands going on a solo run from his half, riding several tackles before sending in a cross that was sweetly headed home by veteran striker Ralph Matema.

When referee Nkosana Nduna blew the final whistle, Bosso fans erupted into wild celebrations.

The Highlanders’ supporters broke into song and dance on the terraces before taking their celebrations to the streets to soak in their team’s memorable league double over old foes Dynamos for the first time in 10 years. Bosso last registerred back-to-back wins over Dynamos in 2006, and that was ironically the same year that they last won the league title.

An emotional Bosso fan Mvikeli Moyo said even if Highlanders fail to lift the title, they’re delighted with back-to-back wins over Dynamos.

“This is a perfect season for us and even if we fail to land the title, as long as we beat Dynamos home and away we’re happy. We thank the lads for not giving up and fighting throughout the game,” said Moyo.

Raymond Maqethuka said: “The boys gave a very good account of themselves and we enjoyed the game. What made the victory even sweeter is that Dynamos’ players were wasting time when they had the lead and in the last 10 minutes they were chasing every ball. This is certainly a sweet victory that we cherish as Highlanders fans.”

Mthuli Mude had two words for Highlanders players: “Thank you.”

A delighted Simo Tshabalala challenged the Highlanders’ executive to tie down coach Erol Akbay, saying the Dutch expatriate had “passed” the test.

“I’m very happy and that we snatched a late winner when we were on the back foot for the better part of the game. Akbay has proved that he is the right coach for us by beating Dynamos and giving us joy after 10 years. They (Bosso executive) must make sure that the coach is happy and stays longer with the club,” said Tshabalala.

Thulani Ncube believes that yesterday’s victory has kept Highlanders’ championship hopes alive.

“Obviously I’m over the moon that we beat Dynamos and I think this win will go a long way in our title fight,” Ncube said.

Highlanders’ secretary-general Emmet Ndlovu was elated with the victory and said they were not giving up on the title just as yet.

“I’m so excited, elated to say the least. Coincidentally and ironically I was the team manager in 2006 when Bosso completed a double over Dynamos and that was the last time we won the championship. I have this feeling at the back of my mind that things are beginning to happen.

“It’s so good to beat Dynamos home and away in one season. We’re not giving up yet on the championship, but all we want to do is finish in a comfortable position,” said Ndlovu.

Long after the players had left the pitch, Bosso fans in the Soweto stand remained singing song after song celebrating yesterday’s victory under the watchful eye of anti-riot police.

They then took their celebrations into the streets of Barbourfields, Mzilikazi and Makokoba suburbs before rounding up at the late Vice-President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo statue in the city centre.

However, celebrations were set to continue throughout the city’s watering holes well into the night because 10 years is a long wait by any standard, especially in sport. – @ZililoR