SCOTTLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 2
HIGHLANDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
TERRENCE Dzvukamanja was the hero of the day, bagging a brace as title-chasing Scottland staged a comeback to beat Highlanders in a pulsating encounter at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.
The match, which truly lived up to its billing, saw Highlanders' teenage sensation Mafios Chihweta open the scoring in the 17th minute.
He latched onto a precise cutback from Reason Sibanda and fired home, giving the visitors an early lead.
However, Highlanders' advantage was short-lived. Just four minutes later, Dzvukamanja, in his second game for Scottland after joining two weeks ago, restored parity.
The former SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates striker expertly headed home from an acute angle, connecting with a Walter Musona corner to beat goalkeeper Reward Muza at his near post.
Both teams created decent scoring opportunities thereafter, but the first half concluded with the scores level.
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The second half brought a significant setback for Highlanders.
In the 62nd minute, their captain and defensive linchpin, Andrew Mbeba, was forced off the pitch due to injury.
Mbeba's aerial prowess and leadership had been crucial and his absence was immediately felt.
Just two minutes later, Scottland capitalised.
A free-kick saw defender Kelvin Moyo float a high ball into the Highlanders' penalty area.
The towering Tymon Machope outjumped everyone, nodding the ball perfectly onto the path of Dzvukamanja, who made no mistake, calmly slotting home, though the goal was met with fervent protests from the Highlanders players, who were convinced the striker was in an offside position.
Highlanders were then handed a golden opportunity to draw level when a blatant foul by Godknows Murwira resulted in a penalty.
The weight of expectation fell on Marvin Sibanda, but his shot agonisingly dragged wide of the target, a collective groan echoing through the bay housing the Highlanders supporters.
In the dying moments, the visitors threw caution to the wind, pushing forward in search of an equaliser.
This desperate offensive almost backfired spectacularly.
A long ball from Musona released substitute Michael Tapera on a counter-attack. The speedy winger beat his marker before setting up Mthokozisi Msebe, a player often relied upon in such moments, but he inexplicably missed the target, spurning what seemed like a clear chance.
Ultimately, Scottland's defence held firm, securing a precious three points that keep their title aspirations very much alive.
They remain in third place on the log, but have now narrowed the gap on leaders Simba Bhora to six points, with 13 thrilling matches still to play.
Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya was understandably pleased with his team's resilience, noting their uncanny ability to bounce back from early setbacks — a trait that has become a recurring theme, mirroring their previous week's 2-1 come-from-behind victory against Ngezi Platinum Stars.
"It was a tough match, I should admit, but our team showed character today," Ndiraya remarked, a hint of pride in his voice.
“Highlanders were very competitive today, but in the end, we managed to walk away with maximum points. A second win on the trot, which is very good for us in our quest to garner more points going forward.”
Despite the victory, Ndiraya also highlighted an area of concern, a testament to his pursuit of perfection.
“Though I am not very happy with the way we are going about our business. We concede first, then come back into the game and win. It happened again in Ngezi. We went behind and then scored two quick goals. Today we went behind and then scored two goals again. I am happy that the boys fought to the end. I am happy for Terrence for scoring a double today. Then, of course, the entire team, it was a very good, very impressive team effort, and hopefully we can keep picking up points.”
On the other hand, Highlanders stand-in coach Try Ncube cut a crestfallen figure at the final whistle. The pain of walking away empty-handed, despite what he felt was a commendable performance, was palpable.
“We played well,” Ncube insisted, his voice tinged with disappointment.
“We came here to get maximum points. We were fighting for three points, but in the end, we had a chance to get another goal, and then we missed that chance, but it happens, it's football, there's nothing that you can do. We have to soldier on, but otherwise, it was a good performance from the boys, just unlucky that we got nothing from the game. It's very painful.”
Ncube also pointed to Mbeba's injury as a turning point in the match. "When Andrew went out, we lacked some leadership on the pitch. That is why we started preparing Melikhaya Ncube to step in so that we can manage to have some senior players on the field, but having said that, I am proud of the boys. They tried to fight hard for the badge, but in the end, we are disappointed. We wanted to get something from this game, but such is
football."
For Highlanders, the result leaves them in a precarious eighth position with 27 points, six points above Manica Diamonds, who currently occupy the relegation cut-off point.
Teams
Scottland: K Shangiwa, G Madhake, G Murwira, K Moyo, K Mureremba, A Manenji, K Myaba (M Shidolo, 55'), M Msebe, W Musona (N Mutasa, 87'), T Dzvukamanja (M Tapera, 80'), T Machope (R Pfumbidzai, 80').
Highlanders: R Muza, M Khoza (B Ncube, 87'), B Mlotshwa, R Sibanda, M Sibanda (M Ncube, 75'), A Mbeba (M Hativagoni, 62'), N Rauzhi, D Munkuli (N Ndlovu, 87'), H Ncube (P Mushonga, 75'), L Mutumbi, M Chihweta.
