Highlanders’ wait for a first league win stretched into another frustrating afternoon at Barbourfields after they were held to a seventh straight draw by ZPC Kariba, while Dynamos also had to settle for a point in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against FC Platinum at Rufaro Stadium.
By Advent Shoko
Coming into Matchday 7, all eyes were on Bosso, with many expecting Benjani Mwaruwari’s men to finally turn dominance into victory after six consecutive stalemates. Even the pre-match narrative had carried a sense of optimism, with the former Warriors captain urging patience as he continues to build a system he believes will soon “give headaches” to opponents once it clicks.
Instead, the questions around Highlanders’ attack only grew louder.
Bosso Still Waiting For Breakthrough
The match began with intent from the hosts.
From the first whistle, Highlanders enjoyed plenty of the ball and looked the more proactive side, trying to impose themselves early in front of their home supporters at Barbourfields.
By the fifth minute, the first real chance arrived.
Pavari tried his luck from outside the box with a long-range effort that drifted narrowly wide, drawing an early gasp from the Bosso faithful. It was a moment that set the tone for much of the afternoon, promising build-up, but no decisive final touch.
At the 20-minute mark, the match remained goalless, though Highlanders continued to dominate possession and territory. Their movement in midfield was neat, and the circulation of the ball suggested a side trying to play with structure, yet the clinical edge remained missing.
As the first half wound down, three minutes of added time were signalled, but neither side could break the deadlock before the break.
At halftime, it was still:
- Highlanders 0-0 ZPC Kariba
The second half resumed with the same urgency from the home side.
Benjani moved to freshen the attack in the 51st minute, introducing Isaac Ngoma for Benjamin Adeogun in a clear signal that Bosso wanted more thrust in the final third.
The substitutions continued as the game wore on.
At 70 minutes, Shelton Moyo replaced Darlington Mukuli, and just eight minutes later Moyo nearly made an instant impact, unleashing a powerful strike from outside the area that narrowly missed the target.
Prince Ndlovu was then introduced for Never Rauzhi as Highlanders searched desperately for a winner.
Still, nothing would come.
Even after eight minutes of stoppage time, ZPC Kariba stood firm, frustrating Bosso until the final whistle.
Full Time: Highlanders 0-0 ZPC Kariba
That makes it seven consecutive draws for Highlanders, a statistic that is beginning to define their season.
Pressure Mounts On Benjani
This result is likely to intensify scrutiny on Benjani Mwaruwari.
The former Manchester City striker was backed publicly by former Warriors teammate George Mbwando, who had argued that Highlanders’ opening six fixtures were against difficult opposition.
But against a ZPC Kariba side many fans felt Bosso should beat at home, the barren run now feels harder to defend.
The growing unease around the coach-board relationship will also not disappear.
There has already been background noise over Benjani’s appointment, especially after reports that some within the board were not fully aligned with the move after his arrival was strongly backed by club benefactor Wicknell Chivayo.
For a club of Highlanders’ stature, patience is rarely endless.
The football is showing signs of structure.
The results are not.
Dynamos Fight Back, But Cannot Go Above CAPS
At Rufaro Stadium, Dynamos also had to work hard for a share of the spoils against FC Platinum.
The Glamour Boys started brightly.
In the seventh minute, Leeroy cut in from the left and fired wide.
He went close again in the 37th minute with a powerful effort from range that forced a smart save from the FC Platinum goalkeeper.
Moments later, Dynamos keeper Makoni produced an outstanding save to deny Muchenje’s header.
The breakthrough, however, came for the visitors.
In the 43rd minute, Dematsika rose highest from a corner and headed FC Platinum into a 1-0 lead, silencing the home crowd.
Halftime: Dynamos 0-1 FC Platinum
The second half brought immediate drama.
At 50 minutes, Dynamos were awarded a penalty after a foul inside the box.
Abel stepped up in the 53rd minute and calmly converted to restore parity.
Dynamos 1-1 FC Platinum
The remainder of the match saw Dynamos push for a second.
Substitutions involving Agyemang, Mlilo, Perezo and the experienced Billiat added energy, but the winner never arrived.
Five minutes of added time came and went without further goals.
Full Time: Dynamos 1-1 FC Platinum
The draw means Dynamos remain unable to leapfrog CAPS United on the log, despite moving into the top three conversation after the weekend fixtures.
Elsewhere, Herentals secured a valuable 2-1 away win over Manica Diamonds.
Full Results – Castle Lager Premier Soccer League 7
- Highlanders 0-0 ZPC Kariba
- Dynamos 1-1 FC Platinum
- Manica Diamonds 1-2 Herentals
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