Highlanders 2-1 Motor Action

TWO quick-fire first half goals helped Highlanders stretch their unbeaten run to 20 matches on Sunday, despite a late rally by Motor Action at Barbourfields.

Bheki Ncube, who signed from Motor Action, put the league leaders ahead after just seven minutes and goalkeeper Arial Sibanda added a second from the penalty spot six minutes later.

The match was watched by South African football legend Jomo Sono - owner of Jomo Cosmos - who was on a scouting mission, although he would not reveal his target.

The win, their 13th of the season, preserved Highlanders’ three-point advantage over pursuing Dynamos who crushed Gunners 4-0 at Rufaro.

After a dominant first half, Highlanders eased up in the second period and allowed the visitors to dictate proceedings. In the end, they just hung on.

With Mthulisi Maphosa and Peter Rio Moyo uncharacteristically off duty, Motor Action’s Ngoni Maviri caught the eye with some assured play in the middle of the park.

Threaten as they might, Motor Action found themselves unable to break down the country’s second meanest defence. Eric Mudzingwa and Innocent Mapuranga brought their A-game to thwart the visitors and keep Dynamos honest.

The league now takes a break as Zimbabwe start preparations on Monday for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola set for Rufaro next Sunday.

At Ascot Stadium in Gweru, Hardbody picked up their fifth win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Quelaton. Jacob Muzokomba scored the winner in the first half.

The coalminers had to fight back in the second half after Lenneance Mpofu had given Adam Ndlovu’s side the lead. Gilbert Zulu got the equaliser.

FC Platinum 2-1 Blue Rangers; Monomotapa 1-2 Shabanie Mine; Black Mambas 1-1 Harare City