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MUNASHE Kamwendo’s 84th-minute strike delivered a hard-fought 1-0 victory for ZPC Kariba over Highlanders at Nyamhunga Stadium yesterday, snapping the hosts’ long-standing winless home run against Bosso.
Both sides burst out of the gates eager to seize control. ZPC Kariba looked the more threating early on, driven by winger Tinashe Ruzive’s dangerous deliveries from the right flank.
However, Highlanders’ defensive pairing of Nomore Chinyerere and Mongameli Tshuma stood firm under early pressure.
In the middle of the park, Clive Dzingayi pulled the strings for ZPC Kariba, dictating the tempo and distributing with precision. Bosso’s midfield struggled to find its rhythm, yet the visitors still carved out half-chances.
Fanuel Shoko broke through the Highlanders backline for ZPC Kariba, only to send his effort wide, before Brian Mukucha’s long-range attempt was comfortably gathered by Bosso keeper Aron Gwenya.
At the other end, Future Sibanda was called into action to deny a dangerous effort from Darlington Mukuli.
Highlanders’ Never Rauzhi tested his luck from distance but failed to find the target. Soon after, ZPC Kariba’s Brian Kusinyera sliced through the Bosso defense, only to fire straight into the arms of the goalkeeper.
The second half began with both sides maintaining composure but struggling for penetrative quality in the final third. Highlanders went close when Benjamin Adeogun took aim, but Kuzivakwashe Madima produced a crucial, timely block.
Dzingayi remained a constant thorn in Bosso’s side while Ruzive continued to torment down the flank.
Highlanders were then guilty of squandering a golden opportunity when Mvelo Khoza failed to convert from close range.
The defining moment arrived in the 84th minute. Capitalizing on a momentary defensive lapse, Munashe Kamwendo found space inside the box and made no mistake, drilling past Gwenya to send the home crowd into wild celebrations.
Highlanders threw everything forward in search of a late equaliser, and Mukuli nearly rescued a point in stoppage time, but his header drifted agonizingly wide.
Speaking after the match, ZPC Kariba Head Coach Expense Chitukutuku praised his squad's resilience.
“We gave our supporters what they deserve, because we had promised them some points and we promise to finish this season on a good mark,” Chitukutuku said.
Highlanders Head Coach Benjani Mwaruwari rued his side’s missed opportunities.
“We played not that good especially on the first half. If you don't punish teams, they get to punish you, especially when you're playing away. You know, coming here in Kariba is a difficult fixture. Once you get that opportunity, you need to seal it,” Mwaruwari said.
The victory marks a milestone moment for ZPC Kariba as they finally break their Nyamhunga Stadium jinx against Highlanders, with Kamwendo’s late strike settling a tense match of fine margins.
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