Highlanders 2-1 Tsholotsho
HIGHLANDERS coach Amin Soma Phiri was left impressed after his charges made it three wins in three matches as they put Tsholotsho to the sword in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Having played three matches in a space of ten days, Soma-Phiri said his plan was to get early goals and then defend in the second half.
“Playing three games in ten days is hectic and fatigue was really getting to the boys. We went to Shabanie (Zvishavane) to play FC Platinum in the Easycall Cup quarterfinals, then went to Hwange and then back to Bulawayo, so the boys were tired.
“So, the plan was to get early goals and then defend. I am happy with the performance of the boys,” the coach said as his charges have now gone six matches unbeaten.
Tsholotsho coach Lizwe Sweswe was disappointed with the result, but with Buffaloes losing 2-1 to Triangle, he is left with 90 minutes to save his team from relegation, as they host Harare City at White City next Saturday.
“I am disappointed with the result. The second goal due to miscommunication between the keeper and the defender really killed us, but we did well and we hope to fight on until the end of the season,” Sweswe said.
Attacking leftback Bruce Kangwa galloped forward after a clever dummy from Knox Mutizwa. Spotting, Ralph Matema running into the box, Kangwa sent in an inviting cross that the former Orlando Pirates striker hit first time on the run with his right foot to give Bosso the lead in the 36th minute.
Four minutes later, it was 2-0 as Simon Munawa capitalised on the howler by Tsholotsho keeper Nicho Marichi after a miscommunication with Mclive Phiri to chip the ball home.
Four minutes into the second half, Bosso captain Felix Chindungwe, hauled down Lyneth Chikuhwa on the edge of the box to earn an enticing kick.
And veteran striker Joel Luphahla, aged 38, coolly slotted home a grounder to give Tsholotsho some hope, but they could not get the equaliser. But with Buffaloes losing on Sunday, they know they just have to win to earn a second stint in the top flight.
The match was watched by PSL chairman Twine Phiri and Zifa presidential candidate Trevor Carelse Juul, who is on a nationwide campaign ahead of the December 5 elections.Advertisement

Results
Saturday: Chicken Inn 3-1 Harare City, Dynamos 2-0 Chapungu, FC Platinum 1-1 Caps United, ZPC Kariba 2-2 Hwange
Sunday: Highlanders 2-1 Tsholotsho, Triangle 2-1 Buffaloes, Whawha 1-1
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