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Lovemore Zigara Midlands Correspondent
Whawha 1-0 Highlanders
UNDERFIRE Highlanders’ coach Bongani Mafu had to be escorted from the dressing room by anti-riot police as Bosso fans bayed for his blood after the Bulawayo giants were humbled by relegation candidates Whawha in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie at Ascot Stadium yesterday.

This was Bosso’s second defeat in three days after going down 1-2 to FC Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium on Thursday.

The prison warders scored in the 12th minute through Kenneth Bhuka in their only meaningful attempt at goal throughout the match to notch their fourth win of the season.

Despite the win, Whawha remain in the murky waters of relegation, 14th in the league table with 18 points.

A minute of silence was observed before kick off in honour of Bosso legend Willard Mashinkila Khumalo, who passed away early yesterday morning.

The dark cloud of Khumalo’s passing on seemed to envelope the Highlanders’ camp as they displayed an indifferent performance that dishonoured one of their most illustrious sons.

The league’s leading goal scorer Knox Mutizwa was Bosso’s biggest culprit after missing a penalty in the 50th minute when Bhuka handled in the box.

The match started with Highlanders threatening to overrun their hosts and could have opened the score sheet in the 5th minute when Gabriel Nyoni’s long range effort was punched back into play by Whawha goalkeeper Stanley Chakwana, who was outstanding between the sticks.

The resultant spill fell onto the path of Obidiah Tarumbwa, but his effort went over the bar with the Whawha defence off guard.

While Highlanders took turns to miss inside the first 10 minutes, the prison warders took advantage of the first chance that came their way when Bosso goalkeeper Njabulo Nyoni failed to deal with a Blessing Chidzero cross which was headed back into play by Nelson Maziwisa.

The header fell to Bhuka, who had the easiest task of slotting the ball home from close range torching wild celebrations from the Whawha faithfuls.

Highlanders could have restored parity in the 23rd minute but Tarumbwa’s corner kick was headed over the bar by King Nadolo, who had acres of space to control the ball, pick his spot and slot it home.

Several chances came Highlanders’ way in the first stanza but Nyoni, Tarumbwa and Nadolo took turns to miss.

Five minutes into the second half, Bosso were handed a lifeline when Bhuka handled in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.

Mutizwa stepped up and completely missed the target, taking the steam out of the Bosso players as chances became few and far between.

The other real chance came in the 60th minute when Nadolo’s cross was connected first time by Nyoni, but Chakwana was on guard.

Mafu blamed the loss on lack of precision in front of goal.

“All I can say is that we lost the game because we couldn’t score. What we need to do now is to win our next game,” said Mafu.

A visibly relieved Whawha technical adviser Lloyd Mutasa said his side was the hungrier of the two.

“Today we were hungrier than Highlanders since we hadn’t won in a very long time. I think my players, the technical team, the supporters and all stakeholders worked hard for this win and if we continue this way, we’re going to survive relegation,” said Mutasa.

Teams: Whawha: S Chakwana, B Chidzero, G Madamombe, R Horonga, N Gandari, S Nhamo, L Genti, T Muponda (R Useni 62 min ), C Kapupurika (R Chitepo 87 min), K Bhuka (A Njoloma), N Maziwisa

Highlanders: N Nyoni, S Munawa, K Nadolo (OTafira 81min), E Muzanenhamo (T Simango 62 min), O Tarumbwa, B Kangwa, K Mutizwa, F Chindungwe, H Moyo, G Nyoni, P Muduwa.