Highlanders maintains unbeaten run

Highlanders 1 - 0 Caps United
Highlanders maintained their unbeaten run in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League when they edged Caps United at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday to maintain a five-point lead over second-placed Shabanie Mine.

Masimba Mambare grabbed the crucial goal in the 10th minute to ensure that Highlanders remained on top of the log table with 31 points from 13 games while Caps United are on 19 points from 12 games.

The match saw the return of Bhekimpilo Ncube and Lawson Nkomo from long layoffs through injury.

Highlanders striker Graham Ncube was gifted a glorious chance to score after Caps United defender Asani Nhongo's attempted chest-down to goalkeeper Muzondiwa Gonese was met by the striker but he hit the side netting, five minutes into the game.

Peter Moyo could have added the second for Highlanders in the 18th minute after being set up by Bhekimpilo Ncube inside the box, but his effort went wide. Two minutes later, Highlanders could have been two goals up when Milton Ncube beat Gonese after he penetrated the Caps United defence, but the goal was disallowed after second assistant referee Allen Parehwa spotted a handball.

Graham Ncube appeared to have been brought down in the box by Douglas Walaza, but referee Munyaradzi Majoni waved play on in the 21st minute despite strong appeals from Highlanders players.

Majoni seemed to be overwhelmed by the occasion making several questionable decisions.

Chikaka's header hit the post before Graham Ncube reacted to score the rebound in the 53rd minute, but the linesman flagged for a goal kick. Second half substitute Simon Munawa was unlucky to see his effort being punched out for a corner kick four minutes after his introduction. Nkomo was lucky not to receive a red card after a crude tackle on Kutsanziraas he had earlier been cautioned.

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