Harare City relegated

Sport
Brito

HIGHLANDERS       (1) 1

ZPC KARIBA             (0) 1

HARARE CITY have been relegated from the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League after ZPC Kariba held Highlanders in an exciting match at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.

The Sunshine City Boys' last game against Highlanders will count for nothing even if they win as they will not supplant ZPC Kariba on 36 points as they are on 32 points.

Yesterday’s draw also puts Bulawayo City, on 33 points, in trouble as their inferior goal difference against the power utility side counts against them even if they beat Black Rhinos in their last game.

Highlanders squandered several chances but to put the game to bed, but no one could begrudge the men from Kariba a share of the spoils after their second half showing.

Coach Baltemar Brito was disappointed that his team ended their home campaign with a draw.

"We played well in the first half and we were punished in the second half. We are not happy. It was not what we expected in our last game at home. We would like to apologise to the supporters," Brito said.

ZPC Kariba coach Darlington Dodo said the point was crucial.

"This point is very important and crucial for us.  It gives us the edge over the teams that we are leading at the bottom. The gods of football would have smiled on Bulawayo City if they get to that extent (in terms of goal difference) but we still have a game to play against Herentals," Dodo said.

Highlanders scored in the 18th minute, when Stanley Ngala unleashed a long-range cracker from outside the box that left Tapiwa Chilenga rooted to the spot.

Foster Demere got the equaliser for ZPC Kariba on the hour mark after a goal mouth melee.

ZPC Kariba dominated the second half and could have won the match but Highlanders defended well to leave the match in a stalemate.

Teams

Highlanders: R Pitisi, C Ncube, A Faira (W Navaya 70'), A Mbeba, P Muduhwa, M Mushore (N Masuku 59'), T Banda, D Mukuli, S Ngala, A Silla (R Kutsanzira 59'), B Sibanda

ZPC Kariba: T Chilenga, K Madima, B Mutukure, D Nyenye, M Kunyarimwe, W Mhango, C Muleya, S Makawa (N Sianchali 46'), F Demere, T Chiunye, M Demera

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