IT was a football fiesta at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Stadium with Southern Region Soccer League midweek fixtures taking centre stage with a doube header.
In the first match, Bulawayo Warriors breathed a sigh of relief after edging Highlanders FC’s developmental side, Bosso 90, 2-1 in a tightly contested encounter.
Slippery winger Frank Mthethwa gave Warriors the lead in the first half, but Bosso 90 quickly responded, with Nqobile Ndlovu restoring parity.
Desmond “Batista” Mukamba stole the maximum points for Rogers Ndlovu’s side, scoring the winner in the second half. The goal was hotly contested, with Bosso 90 arguing that an offside should have been flagged building up to the goal.
Despite moving to 38 points from 21 matches Warriors remained fourth on the log.
Crucially, they closed the gap to third-placed Hwange to just four points.
In the afternoon match, Hwange dropped two crucial points against second-from-bottom NUST FC.
Despite the contrasting fortunes in the log standings, it was the university side that took the game to their opponents, with Brandon “Skoro” Sithole dictating the pace in midfield.
It was no surprise that his industry created the first goal, a well-taken header by Kelvin Mutsa which beat goalkeeper Peter Mushure all systems out.
The Limakatso Khabo-coached side did well to preserve their lead throughout the first half, but Chipangano came back from the break a much-changed outfit.
After missing numerous chances, Splendor Mwembe finally equalised for Hwange after 78 minutes, but it was too little too late as goalkeeper Makhosiwonke Dlamini produced top-drawer saves to earn his team a point.
The impressive Dlamini is a Form Four student at Somvumbu High School.
In other matches, log leaders Bulawayo Chiefs edged Bulawayo City 1-0 at the Chiefs Village to consolidate top spot.
Lewis Milanzi scored the solitary strike that sank Amakhosi.
Second-placed Nkayi United also moved joint top as they came away from Llewellin unscathed, beating Imbizo 2-0. Percy Maphosa and Tino Chitete were on target for “Ama 53.”
Chiefs and Nkayi are tied on 47 points.
Week 21 results
Nust FC 1-1 Hwange
Byo Chiefs 1-0 Byo City
Megawatt 2-0 Eagle Life
Nkayi United 2-0 Imbizo FC
Byo Warriors 2-1 Bosso90
Casmyn 1-0 Black Rock
Bulawayo Warriors Triumph as Hwange Falter
