Highlanders Media
Highlanders returned to winning ways in style after a second-half brace from substitute Marvin Sibanda inspired Bosso to a 2-0 victory over Herentals at Barbourfields Stadium.
The victory also marked a welcome return to the dugout for head coach Benjani Mwaruwari, who had missed the club’s previous match through illness.
Mwaruwari expressed his delight at returning with maximum points after a difficult spell.
«“I was ill for the past 10 days. I was in hospital for three days, but I am recovering well. It’s good to come back with a victory,” said Mwaruwari.
“We needed the victory, as you know we are coming from a difficult time.”»
The opening half was tightly contested, with both sides creating opportunities but unable to find the breakthrough.
Bosso fashioned one of their best chances in the 15th minute when Mongameli Tshuma released Shelton Moyo, whose effort was well dealt with by Herentals goalkeeper Tariq Ngwenya.
At the other end, Highlanders loanee Archford Faira, turning out against his parent club, caused problems with his pace and direct running down the flank. He created an opportunity for Milton Chimedza around the half-hour mark, but the Herentals forward failed to capitalise.
Five minutes before the interval, Andrew Mbeba went close to opening the scoring with a curling free-kick that cleared the wall but sailed over the crossbar.
Bosso returned from the break with renewed purpose, pushing Herentals deeper and increasing the pressure in search of the opener.
Mwaruwari then turned to his bench, introducing Marvin Sibanda for Never Rauzhi — a change that proved decisive.
In the 62nd minute, Mbeba delivered an inviting ball into the area and Sibanda rose highest to power his header beyond Ngwenya, sending the Bosso faithful into celebration and giving Highlanders a deserved 1-0 lead.
Four minutes later, Tshuma had a glorious opportunity to double the advantage but was unable to convert from close range.
Highlanders continued to press, refusing to settle for the slender lead, and their persistence was rewarded late on.
Sibanda was once again in the right place at the right time, finishing from close range to grab his second goal of the afternoon and put the contest beyond Herentals.
The brace completed a memorable impact from the substitute and sealed all three points for Bosso in front of the Barbourfields faithful.
Herentals coach Paul Benza admitted his side had failed to make the most of their opportunities in the opening half.
«“It was a game of two halves. I thought we should have buried the game in the first half. If you miss chances, you get punished, and that is what happened today. They had the better chances in the second half,” said Benza.»
For Highlanders, it was a much-needed victory, a clean sheet and a strong second-half performance — capped by Sibanda’s clinical double and Mwaruwari’s winning return to the technical area.
FULL TIME: Highlanders 2-0 Herentals
⚽ Marvin Sibanda 62′
⚽ Marvin Sibanda