007 continues drawing

Highlanders FC 0 - 0 ZPC Kariba FC
Highlanders FC's search for a first win of the season continued on Sunday after they were held to yet another draw at Barbourfields Stadium, extending their winless run to seven matches.

Despite dominating large spells of the encounter against ZPC Kariba FC, the Bulawayo giants once again failed to convert their superiority into goals, leaving supporters increasingly frustrated as chances went begging.

From the opening minutes, Highlanders were firmly in control. Rainsome Pavari had an early opportunity inside two minutes but miscontrolled at a crucial moment, setting the tone for a wasteful afternoon in front of goal.

Nomore Chinyerere went close from distance, while Mongameli Tshuma created a clear opening for Benjamin Adeogun, who blasted over from a promising position when he should have at least tested the goalkeeper.

The pressure continued to mount as Highlanders pinned ZPC Kariba deep in their half, but the breakthrough remained elusive. Adeogun later forced a save from ZPC goalkeeper Future Sibanda, who produced a composed and commanding performance throughout the match.

Set-piece opportunities and sustained attacking pressure followed, but Highlanders' final touch repeatedly let them down. Even late first-half pressure, including a teasing delivery from Kudakwashe Mahachi, failed to yield a goal.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Isaac Ngoma heading narrowly wide early after the restart, while Never Rauzhi and Mbeba also had chances as Highlanders maintained territorial dominance.

Sibanda, however, stood firm, producing a series of key saves that ultimately defined the contest and preserved a valuable point for the visitors.

By the final whistle, Highlanders had controlled possession and chances but were again left without a win — their seventh consecutive draw in what is becoming a troubling pattern.

Head coach Benjamin Mwaruwari admitted the frustration in his camp but remained hopeful that the breakthrough will come.

"I can feel the togetherness when I left them in the dressing room, they want to cry because they need that win," he said. "We have to go back and train hard on the last third."

For ZPC Kariba FC, the result was a disciplined and well-earned point. Coach Newton Mashipe praised his side's defensive organisation in withstanding sustained pressure from the hosts.

"I am happy with the way the boys performed especially defensively," he said. "Highlanders are playing some beautiful football and I understand where they are going."

While Highlanders' performance suggested progress, the lack of cutting edge in front of goal continues to define their season — and the search for a first victory goes on.