For 89 minutes, Highlanders had managed the difficult task. They withstood the pressure, ultimately found a way through, and were within reach of securing all three points.
However, during the waning moments of injury time, Mthokozisi Msebe emerged as a specter from the past, haunting the mighty team from Bulawayo. He unleashed a thunderous header that secured a thrilling 1-1 tie for Scotland’s newcomers at the packed Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
It was a instant that left Bosso supporters stunned with disbelief. Their joy following Andrew Mbeba's beautifully executed 81st-minute free kick had hardly died down when Scotland administered the knockout blow – a fitting equalizer born from the same turmoil Highlanders believed they had brought under control.
In that single breathtaking moment, the Highlanders relinquished not just two points but possibly their early-season momentum as well. The astonishment was clear; the sighs of dismay could be heard. Once more, a routine scenario unfolded before them.
“We can’t claim we’ve earned even a single point,” lamented Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu, visibly battling to conceal his frustration.
When considering the timing of our goal, we deserved to secure full points. Yet again, we allowed them to equalize with the final play in stoppage time. This is something we must improve upon.
Kaindu, who has been discreetly reviving a youthful Bosso team brimming with potential and creativity, expressed disappointment over what he termed a decline in strategic guidance and mental focus—a detrimental combination that has prevented them from securing wins in consecutive matches.
"We are developing this project with these young players, but perhaps our strategy didn’t pay off in the end. We believed we had controlled the match. However, football can be unforgiving—a final pass into the penalty area, and they found the back of the net," stated the coach from Zambia.
Indeed, football is played over 90 minutes. That's exactly what Scottland coach Tonderayi Ndiraya reminded his charges in the huddle before the final push - and it paid off.
"Football is played 90 minutes. We kept believing that a goal would come - and it did," said Ndiraya with a calm grin. It's always difficult to come here and get a point, but I think we competed very well. Highlanders are a solid team, they gave us a good run, especially with the home advantage."
Scotland, having come to Bulawayo with bruises from a 1-0 loss against Ngezi Platinum Stars, appeared somewhat disorganized during parts of the game. However, this remains an inexperienced team still acclimating to the Premier League. Their ability to persevere despite facing challenges—and playing under difficult conditions—demonstrates significant resilience and strong mentality.
"We're still new. Just four games into the league. The players are still learning to play together. But the more minutes they get, the more cohesive we'll become," added Ndiraya.
Barbourfields, as expected, was packed to the rafters. The carnival atmosphere - powered by Vuvuzelas, flags, and animated chanting from both sets of fans -- was a refreshing throwback to the golden PSL Sundays.
Though the match lacked sustained quality in the final third, it never lost its tension.
Highlanders, backed by an expectant home crowd, started brighter. Reason Sibanda sent an early warning with a speculative strike in the second minute, while Mason Mushore's dangerous cross minutes later was cleared alertly by Ronald Pfumbidzai.
For Scotland, the most promising opportunity in the first half was presented to forward Lynoth Chikuhwa — formerly a beloved figure among Bosso fans. Unchallenged within the penalty box, his header floated sorrowfully past the post in the 20th minute.
In the opening period, the match featured numerous scoring chances that were not well executed, as neither team managed to put significant pressure on either goalkeeper. The Highlanders maintained most of the ball control, yet they failed to turn this dominance into tangible scoring opportunities.
In the latter part of the game, there was increased intensity. Shortly after play resumed, Never Rauzhi missed a great chance when he lofted his attempt high following a precise pass from Melikhaya Ncube. This miss made the spectators sense growing agitation, and tension began to build up at Barbourfields Stadium.
When Mbeba finally delivered in the 81st minute - his left-footed freekick bending delightfully past Nelson Chadya - it felt like Highlanders had earned a hard-fought victory.
But Scotland had one final attempt left.
In the third minute of added time, substitute Msebe found space between defenders, timed his leap to perfection, and buried his header with clinical precision. From the bench, Ndiraya leapt in celebration. The Bosso fans, once roaring, were left stunned into silence.
Scotland, still green around the edges in high-level football, left the field amid thunderous applause from their supporters who had made the trip. For the Northerners, it was yet another evening filled with questions about missed opportunities—and growing worry over their tendency to falter towards the end of matches.
For Mabviravira’s devoted soccer supporters, there's an increasing confidence that Ndiraya's team, though still developing and facing challenges, might soon emerge as a significant contender in this season’s championship. Despite their current rawness, they prove difficult to defeat. This holds true even when playing away at Barbourfields Stadium. With the squad led primarily by seasoned players such as Peter Muduhwa and Tichaona Chipunza, the warning is straightforward—they may be newcomers, yet they shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Teams :
Highlanders : Raphael Pitisi (goalkeeper), Talent Dube (replaced by Archford Faira at minute 78'), Arthur Ndlovu, Brian Mlotshwa, McKinnon Mushore (substituted with Nqobile Ndlovu at minute 66'), Melikhaya Ncube, Reason Sibanda, Brighton Ncube (replaced by Tendani Muvuti at minute 78'), Andrew Mbeba, Mason Mushore, Never Rauzi.
Scottland : Nelson Chadya (goalkeeper), Tichaona Chipunza, Michael Tapera, Peter Muduhwa, Gareth Madhake, Kevin Moyo, Ronald Pfumbidzai (replaced by Kudzai Jason at 86’), Panashe Mutimbanyoka (substituted with Walter Musona at 66’), Lynoth Chikuhwa (switched for Khama Billiat at 66’), Vassili Kawe (took over from Nathan Mutasa at 86’), Fredrick Botchway (brought off for Mthokozisi Msebe at 54’)
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