Salif Cheya scored the decisive goal as MWOS FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Highlanders in a tightly contested Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash at Baobab Stadium.
MWOS FC, playing as the home team at the Mhondoro Ngezi venue due to ongoing renovations at Ngoni Stadium, showed their dominance in the first half but struggled to break down Highlanders’ stubborn defense.
The opening opportunity came when Innocent Zambezi connected with a cross from Tafadzwa George, but his powerful header sailed just wide of the mark.
Moments later, George nearly turned scorer himself, narrowly missing the target with a header from Nigel Matinha’s precise delivery.
Highlanders had a lucky escape midway through the first half when MWOS goalkeeper Martin Mapisa misjudged a clearance, leaving the goal unguarded.
However, Prince Ndlovu failed to capitalise on the error, sparing Mapisa’s blushes.
Despite MWOS controlling much of the first-half action, they lacked the finishing touch, and the teams went into halftime deadlocked at 0-0.
The second half saw MWOS elevate their performance, and their efforts paid off in the 61st minute.
Cheya pounced on a defensive mix-up between Highlanders goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi and his backline, calmly slotting the ball into the net from close range.
The goal proved to be the difference, as MWOS held firm to claim all three points in a hard-fought encounter.
Meanwhile at Rufaro Stadium in Harare, Dynamos and ZPC Kariba played to a goalless draw.
Complete Matchday 1 Results:
Scottland 1 – 0 Triangle
Green Fuel 1-1 Caps United
Simba Bhora 0 – 0 FC Platinum
Herentals College 2-1 TelOne FC
Manica Diamonds 1-0 Yadah FC
Chicken Inn 0-0 Bikita Minerals
Kwekwe United 1-1 Ngezi Platinum
MWOS 1 – 0 Highlanders
Dynamos 0 – 0 ZPC Kariba
Share Your Comments