BIKITA MINERALS . . . . . . . . 0 (1)
HIGHLANDERS . . . . . . . . . . (2) 2
IN a match that had significant implications for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League’s relegation battle, Bikita Minerals fell to a disciplined Highlanders side at Gibbo Stadium yesterday.
The defeat was a major blow to Bikita’s hopes of escaping the drop zone, leaving them firmly in the relegation matrix.
The loss sees Bikita Minerals remain in 12th place with 29 points, and still deep in relegation trouble.
Meanwhile, the crucial victory allows Highlanders to breathe a sigh of relief as they move to ninth place with 32 points, easing their own relegation worries.
Highlanders’ win was built on a suffocating pressure game that effectively neutralised Bikita’s preferred possession-based style.
Under new coach Peter De Jongh, the visitors expertly limited space, forcing Bikita to abandon their intricate build-up and resort to long balls that the Highlanders defence easily dealt with.
- Inside Sport: Local stadiums in urgent need of attention
- Bullets ease relegation fears
- FC Platinum move six points clear
- Clinical Herentals leapfrog Ngezi to sixth
Keep Reading
The absence of key midfielder Spencer Mugariri was keenly felt by Bikita, who appeared rushed and out of rhythm for much of the game.
Highlanders wasted no time in capitalising on Bikita’s discomfort.
In the 12th minute, a moment of poor decision-making by the home side saw Never Rauzhi dispossess a Bikita player.
He then found Reason Sibanda, who was fouled in the box.
The new Nigerian recruit Benjamin Adeogun confidently slotted home the resulting penalty, putting Highlanders ahead.
Bikita responded well to going behind, dominating possession and creating several opportunities.
However, a lack of composure in the final third proved to be their downfall.
Tinaye Tsimba, Tadiwanashe Murasiranwa, and Fitzgerald Banda all had chances but failed to find the back of the net.
Just before halftime, Highlanders delivered a punishing blow.
A beautiful cross from Mason Mushore found Sibanda, who finished clinically to double the lead and send the home side into the break with their heads down.
Bikita coach Wilson Mutekede made two tactical changes at halftime, bringing on Keith Mathe and Royn Nyamono, and the substitutions had an immediate impact on the tempo of the game.
Despite the renewed energy, Highlanders’ defence remained resolute, holding off wave after wave of Bikita attacks.
The home side’s persistence finally paid off in the 85th minute when Nyamono pulled one back, sparking hope among the fans.
However, it was too little, too late as Highlanders held on for the final minutes to secure a vital three points.
After the final whistle, Highlanders’ players and coaches celebrated jubilantly, while the Bikita camp was left crestfallen.
Mutekede, the home side coach, attributed the loss to missed chances and conceding “soft goals”, but vowed to regroup for their next match against Telone.
In the opposing camp, Highlanders’ De Jongh praised his team’s character and discipline, emphasising the need to “fight until the end of the season”.
