Highlanders’ Pre-season Woes Exposed in Shock 1-0 Defeat to MWOS

Highlanders FC’s lackluster pre-season preparations proved costly on Sunday, as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of league newcomers MWOS in their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season opener at Baobab Stadium.

The Bosso’s lackluster performance was evident from the outset, as they struggled to create meaningful chances against a dominant MWOS side.

The debutants’ persistence paid off in the 61st minute, when Salif 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.

MWOS had earlier shown their dominance in the first half, with Innocent Zambezi and Tafadzwa George both coming close to scoring.

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 capitalize 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 with Cheya’s decisive goal.

Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu was left to rue his team’s poor pre-season preparations.

“We did not have flashy moments. It’s unfortunate we gave away an easy goal, and in a game like this, it’s difficult for you to come back,” Kaindu admitted.

Kaindu cited the lack of proper training grounds during the pre-season as a major factor in their poor showing.

“During pre-season, we did not have training grounds. I think we went for nearly a month without a proper training ground, so we are trying to use these early games to condition ourselves and catch up.”

Despite the disappointing result, Kaindu remains confident that his team can turn things around.

“I think there is big room for improvement. It’s the first game, it was just for us to assess where we are and I am convinced we can do better.”

The defeat leaves Highlanders languishing in 16th place on the log, while MWOS occupy a lofty third spot.

In other Match Day 1 action, Dynamos played out a dull 0-0 draw with ZPC Kariba, while Simba Bhora and FC Platinum also shared the spoils in a goalless stalemate.

Match day 1 results

Scottland 1-0 Triangle

Herentals 2-1 Tel One

Manica Diamonds 1-0 Yadah FC

Green Fuel 1-1 CAPS United

Simba Bhora 0-0 FC Platinum

Kwekwe United 1-1
Ngezi Platinum

Chicken Inn 0-0 Bikita Minerals

Dynamos 0-0 ZPC Kariba

MWOS 1-0 Highlanders