Osborn Mukuradare scored a hat-trick as Monomotapa halted Highlanders’ unbeaten league run at Rufaro on Saturday.
Report by Michael Madyira Monomotapa…(2) 3 Highlanders… . . . . 0
With a brilliant display, Monomotapa upstaged Highanders who had gone for 23 matches without tasting defeat since the 2-0 loss to Shabanie Mine on the final day of last season.
But of great significance, yesterday’s result set up a platform for Dynamos to claw back at the log apex if they at least draw with Shabanie Mine on Sunday afternoon.
A share of spoils would see Dynamos tied with Bosso on 53 points while enjoying top spot courtesy of a superior goal difference. A win will place the defending champions two points clear.
Interestingly, Monoz lost 3-1 to basement side Quelaton, but recovered to dispatch the leaders, rising one place up to settle on third position with 43 points.
Monoz showed class with Mukuradare opening his account 14 minutes into the match by connecting with his head an Obey Mwerahari cross.
In a spectacular show 22 minutes later, menacing Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo released Mukuradare, whose shot was blocked by the visitors’ goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda, but rounded the goalminder after the rebound to slot the ball into an empty net.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Mukuradare completed his hattrick in the 77th minute to kill the match as a contest.
It was another remarkable goal as Mukuradare met a long cross from impressive skipper Kuda Musharu and turned Bruce Kangwa before beating an advancing Sibanda.
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu was calm after the crushing defeat, as he tried to hide his side’s championship intentions.
“Our focus is on building a team for next season like I said at the start of the season. We are not worried about winning the league title,” said Kaindu.
“Of course this defeat will have a slight psychological effect on the players, but it is something we have to deal with. We lost on the tactics we used today. Things did not work according to plan.”
On the opposite side, Biggie Zuze felt the day had been shaped for them. “We deserved the three points from the way we played. Our midfield was dominant and that is where we won the match,” said Zuze.
While it was Highlanders who lit up the afternoon with some silky passing of the ball from the first whistle, the hosts were the first to launch meaningful raids, coming close twice to taking the lead in the opening 10 minutes.
