Hwange stun Bosso to keep survival hopes alive

Hwange 4 - 3 Highlanders
Hwange FC delivered a sensational performance, edging out Highlanders 4-3 in a thrilling Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at a packed Colliery Stadium yesterday. With the win, the coalminers have kept their relegation battle alive, setting up a decisive final match against fellow strugglers Bikita Minerals at Sakubva Stadium.

Hwange's Marceline Mlilo fired up the home crowd by netting a lightning-fast goal just 15 seconds into the game. Seizing on a quick run and pass from Clyvert Tshuma straight after the kick-off, Mlilo pounced, leaving Highlanders' goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi stunned. Mlilo struck again in the 10th minute, capitalizing on another swift attack to double Hwange's advantage.

Highlanders, momentarily shell-shocked, finally rallied in the 18th minute. However, striker Never Rauzhi squandered a close-range opportunity, leaving their supporters groaning in disbelief. In a tactical shake-up, Highlanders' coach Kelvin Kaindu replaced his entire backline in the 23rd minute, bringing on Melikhaya Ncube, Talent Dube, Mvelo Khoza, and Brian Mlotshwa. The changes immediately invigorated Bosso's attack, with Rauzhi pulling a goal back in the 27th minute after Hwange goalkeeper Takabva Mawaya misjudged an aerial ball, gifting Rauzhi an easy header.

Hwange responded four minutes before halftime when Shepard Gadzikwa was fouled in the box. Captain Kelly Shiyandindi calmly converted the penalty, restoring their two-goal cushion. Just before the break, substitute Lynoth Chikuhwa clawed another goal back for Highlanders, hammering a shot past Mawaya to make it 3-2 going into halftime.

The second half began with more fireworks as Hwange's Mongameli Tshuma unleashed a powerful volley in the 52nd minute, extending the lead to 4-2. Highlanders continued to press, but Dominic Chungwa missed a golden chance to seal the game for Hwange in a one-on-one situation 20 minutes from time. Highlanders capitalized on the miss with Mason Mushore scoring in the 73rd minute, slipping a seemingly tame shot past Mawaya to make it 4-3.

Hwange's defense held on for dear life as Highlanders pressed for an equalizer that never came, much to the relief of the Hwange supporters. Head coach Rodwell Dhlakama expressed satisfaction with the victory, acknowledging the fight put up by his players against a formidable Highlanders side.

"I'm very pleased we got maximum points against such tricky opponents. The boys' mentality was spot-on from the first whistle, and now we're going into the last game ready to fight for our survival," Dhlakama said.

Kaindu, meanwhile, lamented his team's defensive lapses: "Today, I'm extremely disappointed. It's criminal to concede two goals in ten minutes. I had to pull out the whole defense, which is rare for me, but it was necessary. I'm glad the replacements responded well, but this result is tough to swallow."

The victory means Hwange's survival in the league hinges on their final match against Bikita Minerals. For now, the coalminers have given themselves a fighting chance.

Teams
HWANGE: Takabva Mawaya; Jofias Mumpande; Kelly Shiyandindi; Raymond Uchena; Marcelline Mlilo ( Solomon Sithole 46th min); Winston Mhango; ( Winston Mhango 78th min)Shepard Gadzikwa (Mufaro Mutena 70th min); Clyvert Tshuma ( Prosper Mathe 70th min); Mongameli Tshuma; Ralyton Maphosa; Dominic Chungwa ( Pritchard Mpelele 78th min)

HIGHLANDERS: Raphael Pitisi; Marvellous Chigumira ( Talent Dube 23rd min) ; Lynoth Chikuhwa; Marvin Sibanda; Prince Ndlovu ( Nigel Banda 90th min); Andrew Mbeba ( Mvelo Khoza 23rd min); Mason Mushore; Peter Muduhwa ( Brian Mlotshwa 23 min ) Arthur Ndlovu; ( Melikhaya Ncube 23rd min) Never Rauzhi; Brighton Ncube