The league leaders, who scored just once in the three draws, got a huge helping foot after Gunners defender Moses Demera beat his own keeper.

Gunners, missing their skipper Pardon Chinungwa through injury, competed well with the visitors but found it hard to break down the Highlanders defence which has conceded just seven goals in 12 outings – the second meanest defence in the league after Dynamos who have left in five in 10 matches.

At Mandava in Zvishavane, FC Platinum – who sacked coach Rahman Gumbo on Tuesday night – kept pace with the leaders after coming back from behind to beat Hardbody 3-1.

Calisto Maheya gave Hardbody a shock lead but FC Platinum responded with a brace from Mitchel Katsvairo and a third by Benjamin Marere to subdue the visitors.

Gumbo’s assistant Tendai Chikuni ran the line, assisted by Patrick Mandizha, as the platinum miners climbed up to second over Shabanie Mine who were inactive.

Buffaloes were the biggest movers of the midweek fixtures after their 2-0 victory over Blue Rangers at Gwanzura lifted them to third.

Lloyd Katongomara and second half substitute Marlvern Dumbura scored for the Mutare club who are level on 24 points with Platinum, four behind Highlanders.

Kasimero Chimbadzwa thrust John Ncube's Mambas into the lead after just three minutes but goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda converted a penalty to give his team a share of the spoils.

Share of the spoils ... Mambas coach John Toto Ncube and CAPS' Sean Connor after draw

Quelaton 0-1 Dynamos; Gunners 0-1 Highlanders; Blue Rangers 0-2 Buffaloes; CAPS United 1-1 Black Mambas; FC Platinum 3-1 Hardbody

Motor Action v Shabanie Mine (Motor Action Sports Club), Chicken Inn v Monomotapa (Luveve Stadium), Harare City v Hwange (Rufaro Stadium