Scottland 0-0 Highlanders
HARARE – Benjani Mwaruwari hailed “a point gained” after his Highlanders side held champions Scottland to a goalless draw at Rufaro on Easter Monday.
The stalemate extended Highlanders’ unbeaten run but also stretched their winless streak to six draws from six matches, leaving Mwaruwari’s men with just six points and ground to make up on log leaders CAPS United.
Despite the frustration of failing to win, Mwaruwari drew encouragement from a fourth successive clean sheet and a disciplined defensive display against a star-studded home side.
“I think today’s game, the boys, they played very well. You know, coming to play with the champions, we all know Scottland. They are a very good team with quality everywhere,” the Highlanders coach said.
“To come away with a point, I think today the point that we got, it’s a point gained. And one thing that I’m happy about is the consistency of not conceding. We’ve gone like four games without conceding a goal. That’s consistency, and now we must build on from there.”
Both sides created openings in a competitive first half but were let down by poor finishing. Reason Sibanda was played through by Mongameli Tshuma six minutes before the break but blazed wide with Nelson Chadya to beat, while Walter Musona had his head in his hands moments later after an attempted lob over goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya went badly wrong.
The closest either side came to a winner arrived late in the second half when Aboubakar Moffat’s effort crashed against the base of the upright.
Scottland pressed for a winner without reward, and Highlanders held firm to the final whistle.
The result leaves Norman Mapeza’s Scottland three points off the pace set by CAPS United on 15 points, while Highlanders’ draws continue to limit their title ambitions.
Teams
Scottland: Nelson Chadya, Moses Shidolo, Khwakhe Thwala, Kevin Moyo, Peter Muduhwa, Mthokozisi Msebe (Knowledge Musona, 75’), Aboubakar Moffat, Emmanuel Ziocha (Panashe Mutimbanyoka, 60’), Walter Musona, Khama Billiat (Tymon Machope, 81’), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Kingsley Mureremba, 60’)
Highlanders: Aaron Ngwenya, Nomore Chinyerere, Brian Mlotshwa, Mongameli Tshuma (Prince Ndlovu, 51’), Reason Sibanda (Royn Nyamono, 86’), Kuda Mahachi, Brighton Ncube (Benjamin Adeogan, 78’), Andrew Mbeba, Rainsome Pavari, Never Rauzhi (Marvin Sibanda, 81’), Darlington Mukuli (Shepherd Mhlanga, 51’)
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Results
Easter Monday
Chicken Inn 1-0 FC Hunters; ZPC Kariba 0-0 Telone; Triangle United 0-1 Hardrock; FC Platinum 1-0 Bulawayo Chiefs; Scottland 0-0 Highlanders; Agama 1-2 MWOS
Easter Sunday
Simba Bhora 0-1 Dynamos; CAPS United 2-0 Manica Diamonds
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