Highlanders Media
Highlanders FC were denied all three points after conceding a late equaliser in a frustrating 1-1 draw against FC Hunters at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Highlanders made a dream start to the encounter, breaking the deadlock just seven minutes into the match through Isaac Ngoma, who rose highest to head home a superb free-kick delivery from Andrew Mbeba.
The early goal gave Highlanders momentum as they looked to take control of proceedings in the capital.
Ngoma nearly doubled the advantage in the 20th minute after finding himself one-on-one with the FC Hunters goalkeeper, but his effort was brilliantly saved.
Five minutes later, Mongameli Tshuma produced a moment of individual brilliance down the right flank, weaving past two defenders before making his way into the penalty area. He appeared to be brought down from behind, but the referee waved away the appeals and instead booked him for simulation.
Highlanders continued searching for a second goal, with Ackim Nkomo coming close from a free kick in the 35th minute, only to send his effort wide of the target.
Bosso went into the halftime break holding a slender 1-0 advantage, courtesy of Ngoma’s early header.
The second half saw Highlanders make changes in an attempt to maintain their advantage, with Never Rauzhi and Brighton Makopa replacing Shelton Moyo and Ngoma in the 51st minute.
Mongameli Tshuma threatened again in the 72nd minute, unleashing a powerful long-range effort that was comfortably dealt with by the Hunters goalkeeper.
Further substitutions followed as Marvin Sibanda replaced Akim Nkomo in the 74th minute, while Reason Sibanda came on for Brighton Makopa in the closing stages.
With the clock ticking towards full time, Highlanders appeared to be heading for a hard-fought victory.
However, heartbreak struck in the 90th minute when FC Hunters found a late equaliser to restore parity and deny Bosso what had looked like a crucial three points.
Despite five minutes of added time, neither side could find a winning goal, leaving the two teams to share the spoils.
The result will undoubtedly be a frustrating one for Highlanders, who led for most of the encounter but were unable to protect their advantage in the dying minutes.
Full-time: FC Hunters 1-1 Highlanders FC
Highlanders scorer: Isaac Ngoma (7′)