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

Scottland FC, the expensively assembled newcomers to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, narrowly clinched a 1-0 victory over returning side Triangle United in a tense season opener at Rufaro Stadium.

The decisive moment came in the 90^th minute in the form of an unfortunate own goal, breaking what had seemed destined to be a hard-fought goalless draw.

Triangle United, under the guidance of coach Luke Masomere, put up a spirited and resilient performance, frustrating Scotland’s efforts for much of the match.

However, a costly miscommunication between Triangle goalkeeper Hamilton Makainganwa and defender Blessing Chiota proved to be their undoing.

Chiota attempted to chest the ball back to his goalkeeper, who had already rushed off his line to collect what appeared to be a routine save.

The ball slipped past Makainganwa and into the net, handing Scotland all three points in their top-flight debut.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Triangle United showcased their determination and attacking intent throughout the game.

They created several promising chances and tested Scottland’s defense, particularly in the first half, where they registered two shots on target compared to Scotland’s none.

However, their inability to convert these opportunities, coupled with the late defensive error, ultimately sealed their fate.

The match was played on a challenging pitch, which had been left rugged and waterlogged by overnight rains.

With Herentals and Dynamos scheduled to use the same venue over the weekend, concerns are growing about the condition of the turf, which could deteriorate further and become unplayable.

Scottland head coach Tonderayi Ndiraya will be a relieved man to have secured a winning start to their campaign, albeit in fortuitous circumstances, while Triangle United can take pride in their resilient display despite the disappointing result.