Ngezi Platinum 0-1 Highlanders
HARARE – Lynoth Chikuhwa scored the solitary goal on Sunday as Highlanders edged title rivals Ngezi Platinum to open a seven-point cushion at the top of the table.
Still to taste defeat this season, Highlanders knew they faced a proper examination when they travelled to Baobab, home of their closest challengers.
They needed their dependable defence to be at its solid best and so it proved as they held firm in the first half which was dominated by the home side.
Marvellous Mukumba came closest to opening the scoring for Ngezi when his goal-bound effort on 40 minutes was hooked off the line by Brighton Manhire.
Chikuhwa has been goal shy in a low scoring season for Highlanders but he took his opportunity well when he read a dummy by Stanley Ngala and swept in a curling shot past Nelson Chadya on 69 minutes.
Highlanders have scored 15 goals from 17 matches but lead with 37 points, thanks to their mean defence which has conceded just four goals.
Dynamos, who are nine points adrift of the leaders, had the pick of the weekend results after their 5-1 drubbing of Yadah at Barbourfields.
Shadreck Nyahwa opened the riot after just eight minutes before Elton Chikona doubled the lead. Frank Makarati converted a penalty on 20 minutes before Mandlenkosi Mlilo pulled a goal back for Yadah following a goalkeeping error by Prince Tafiremutsa.
Keith Madera stretched Dynamos’ advantage late on before substitute Eli Ilunga tapped home from close range to emphasise the gap in quality.
PSL Results:
Manica Diamonds 3-1 Bulawayo Chiefs; ZPC Kariba 1-0 Cranborne Bullets; FC Platinum 1-2 Sheasham; Chicken Inn 2-1 Hwange; Ngezi Platinum 0-1 Highlanders; Black Rhinos 1-1 Simba Bhora; Dynamos 5-1 Yadah; Triangle 0-2 Green Fuel; Herentals 2-1 CAPS United
