Bosso@100 Exhibition Match Ends in Goalless Stalemate Between Highlanders and Warriors
Barbourfields Stadium buzzed with an electric carnival atmosphere as football enthusiasts from all corners of Bulawayo converged to witness the highly anticipated Bosso@100 exhibition match. The encounter pitted the city’s own giants, Highlanders, against the senior men’s national team, affectionately known as the Warriors. In a display of skill and determination, Highlanders matched the national side pound for pound, ultimately resulting in a goalless draw.
A standout performance of the day came from young Highlanders midfielder Prince Ndlovu. His dazzling footwork and creative play captivated the crowd before he was substituted a few minutes shy of the final whistle. The Highlanders faithful demonstrated their unwavering support, filling the traditional Soweto End and Empankweni Stand in an impressive turnout for a midweek fixture.
For the Warriors, this was a rare opportunity to grace the Emagumeni pitch, having last played there in 2019 during a Chan qualifier. The current iteration of the national team, featuring several new faces, struggled to register a meaningful shot on target. The match was largely dominated by the hosts, Highlanders, as the Warriors continue their preparations for the upcoming Mukuru Four Nations Tournament. Their next challenge sees them facing Botswana on Saturday in Francistown.
Warriors coach Marian Marinica, who provided opportunities to a host of new talents, including Highlanders’ attacking midfielder Mongameli Tshuma, expressed cautious optimism about his team’s progress.
“We tried some players, and we tried to see how it works,” Marinica commented. “Normally, we need a bit more time to prepare for something like that, but we are getting there.”
Highlanders’ coach, Benjani Mwaruwari, commended the Warriors for their structured approach while also expressing satisfaction with his team’s performance against the national squad.
“I think they came here structured,” Mwaruwari observed. “You know, as a national team, we need to be structured. You don’t need to concede goals. You saw the second half, they came on us, and they missed a couple of chances. You can tell where they are coming from and where they are going.”
The early exchanges saw Highlanders create the first clear chance in the 17th minute. Right-back Mvelo Khoza delivered a promising cross to Brighton Ncube, but the effort was controversially ruled out for offside.
Prince Ndlovu then began to showcase his talent. In the 19th minute, he dazzled Warriors defenders with his quick feet, though he overplayed his move and was dispossessed before he could unleash a shot. He remained a constant threat throughout the first half. In the 26th minute, a clever run into the box resulted in his effort crashing into the side netting. Moments later, Ndlovu embarked on another impressive solo run from midfield but fired wide, despite finding himself unmarked.
The Warriors’ first significant attacking foray came after the half-hour mark. Andrew Mbeba’s cross was met by a solid block from Kudakwashe Mahachi, leading to a corner. From the subsequent set-piece, Jarrison Selemani found Godknows Murwira, whose shot was comfortably gathered by Highlanders’ goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya.
Ndlovu continued to be the orchestrator of Bosso’s attacks. In the 37th minute, he set up Brighton Ncube, but the striker’s effort went high over the crossbar. Three minutes before halftime, Jarrison Selemani managed to beat Nomore Chinyerere on the flank and delivered a cross, but Washington Navaya’s header narrowly missed the target.
The second half saw wholesale changes from both benches. Coach Marinica introduced several new players, including Future Sibanda, Jonah Fabisch, Marvelous Nakamba, Emmanuel Jalai, Macaulay Bonne, Junior Zindoga, and Bill Antonio, in an attempt to alter the complexion of the match. Similarly, Mwaruwari brought on the Zambian duo Isaac Ngoma and Motela Mulambya, along with Never Rauzhi. Despite these strategic adjustments, neither side managed to find the crucial breakthrough.
The Warriors had a notable opportunity in the 69th minute from a free-kick positioned just outside the penalty area. However, Jonah Fabisch’s attempt was well defended by the Highlanders’ backline. Later, Bill Antonio showcased his dribbling skills, weaving past defenders before his shot was handled by Highlanders’ Tawanda Shenje.
In the closing stages of the match, in the 80th minute, Munashe Garananga blazed his shot over the bar from a cross delivered by Fabisch, with goalkeeper Ngwenya slightly off his line. Ultimately, the match concluded in a stalemate, with neither Highlanders nor the Warriors able to break the deadlock.
