Highlanders 0-0 Eagles

HIGHLANDERS’ travel sickness continued when they were held to a nil-all draw by Eagles FC in a premier league match played at Harare’s Gwanzura Stadium on Saturday.

The result left the Bulawayo side still looking for their first win of the season away from Barbourfields.

Bosso were in fact lucky to come away from the game with a point after Eagles failed to make their numerical advantage over the visitors count.

Highlanders were reduced to 10 men two minutes before the break when midfielder Eric Mudzingwa saw red for elbowing opposite number Tawanda Mareya in an off-the-ball incident.

But earlier it was Eagles who had had the best chance of the game but striker Malvern Dumbura failed to take advantage of a mix-up between the Bosso goal-keeper Ariel Sibanda and his defender Francis Kanda.

Instead of shooting at goal when the ball fell at his feet the Eagles striker took his time, allowing the Highlanders stopper to recover and take the ball from him.

Highlanders then launched a series of raids on the Eagles goal but somehow failed to find the net.

In the 31st minute Douglas Zimbango released a shot from the right flank but only found the side netting.

Two minutes later an Eagles defender, Chingodza cleared the ball off the line as the visitors again threatened to break the deadlock.

The hosts returned from the break more determined to take advantage of Mudzingwa’s sending-off only to be let down by their passing.

Highlanders fans thought the Eagles goal-keeper should have been sent off when he appeared to handle a back-pass inside the box but Rusape referee Robert Mugorosi ruled the Chimhini had got the ball before he crossed the line.

The visitors had to make do with a free kick after Mugorosi showed the Eagles keeper a yellow card.

Bosso’s goalkeeper had to make two crucial saves in the last five minutes to ensure his side came away with a point.

Highlanders coach Mohamed Fathy was not amused with the referee’s performance.

“It’s is the second time that the referee has been against us. He was supposed to give that goalkeeper a red card but did not when he handled the ball outside the box.

“It seems these referees work in favour of the Harare teams and if it continues like this even our national team will not go anywhere because the players will not be used to following rules,” he said.

His counterpart Patridge Muskwe felt Eagles should have made better use of the many chances that came their way.

“We had a lot of chances, especially in the second half, but could not use them. Though I do not like to comment about officials, I think the referee did his job and mistakes can be expected here and there,” he said.

Other results
Gunners 1-1 Motor Action, CAPS United 0-0 Shooting Stars