Bulawayo — Highlanders’ push for a vital home victory fell short yesterday as they were held to a hard-fought 1-1 draw by ZPC Kariba in a tense Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter at Barbourfields Stadium.
The Bosso faithful arrived buoyed by last week’s spirited Chibuku Super Cup triumph over Scottland, anticipating another dominant display. However, the team struggled to recapture that spark against a resilient Kariba side.
The game burst into life in the 16th minute when ZPC Kariba stunned the home crowd. Kelvin Gwao, left unmarked in the penalty area, rose sharply to meet Ciphas Musikawanhu’s curling free kick and directed a powerful header past goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda. The strike exposed defensive lapses in the Highlanders backline and gave the visitors an early advantage.
From that point, Highlanders sought to impose themselves, dominating possession and probing for openings. Prince Ndlovu produced the first notable chance in the 24th minute, firing a low shot that was comfortably gathered by keeper Future Sibanda. Coach Pieter De Jongh responded with an early reshuffle, introducing Benjamin Adeogun to add more attacking urgency.
Yet, the breakthrough proved elusive. Adeogun squandered a golden opportunity just before the break, side-footing wide from six yards under pressure, prompting audible groans from the home support. ZPC Kariba nearly doubled their lead moments later, with Moses Demera firing a snap shot over the crossbar as the half drew to a close.
Highlanders Held to Draw by ZPC Kariba in Cagey Castle Lager PSL Clash
The second half opened with Highlanders attacking with renewed determination. Their persistence paid off in the 58th minute when referee Mhaka Magare pointed to the spot after Stanley Ngala was adjudged to have struck Reason Sibanda with a raised elbow inside the box. Melikhaya Ncube calmly stepped up, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to level the score at 1-1.
From that point, the match became a frenetic contest, with end-to-end action keeping supporters on the edge of their seats. Adeogun weaved through the Kariba defence in the 60th minute, setting up Marvin Sibanda, who could not capitalise, his shot lacking the precision to trouble Future Sibanda.
Kariba, however, remained dangerous on the counterattack. Samuel Makawa twice tested the Highlanders defence late in the second half, only to be denied by last-ditch blocks.
As the game entered its final stages, Highlanders committed men forward in search of a winner. Andrew Mbeba’s free-kick drew a spectacular save from the Kariba keeper, and Ncube’s follow-up effort was deflected wide. In injury time, Adeogun was presented with another gilt-edged opportunity from close range but blasted over the bar, encapsulating Highlanders’ frustration.
Coach Pieter De Jongh admitted his side had failed to take advantage of key moments. “The final pass was not good. Sometimes we made wrong decisions. The focus was not consistent. We played a cup game and won, but this was a match we could have won or lost,” he reflected.
ZPC Kariba coach Newton Chitewe praised his players’ composure, particularly in a hostile environment. “This is a good result for us. Playing in front of that crowd is not easy. We just had to make sure Highlanders did not dominate the midfield. Last year we lost here because the players could not handle the atmosphere. Today we fielded more experienced players, and they delivered,” Chitewe said.
For Highlanders, the draw represents a missed opportunity to climb the PSL standings and build momentum after their cup victory. Despite dominating possession for large spells, their inability to convert chances will be a point of concern for De Jongh. Adeogun’s squandered opportunities, in particular, highlighted a need for sharper finishing and composure in the final third.
For ZPC Kariba, the result will be seen as a moral boost. Securing a point away from home against one of the league’s traditional powerhouses under intense pressure underscores the side’s resilience and tactical discipline. Their ability to hold firm and exploit defensive lapses proved crucial.
Highlanders will now look to bounce back in their next outing, aiming to rediscover the attacking cohesion that brought them glory in the Chibuku Super Cup. ZPC Kariba, buoyed by the result, will take confidence into their upcoming fixtures, proving they can compete against the league’s heavyweights.
The encounter at Barbourfields was a testament to the unpredictability and drama of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League — where every point is hard-earned and every game a battle of tactics, skill, and willpower.
Source- Herald
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