HARARE - A last-gasp winner by midfielder Masimba Mambare catapulted Highlanders back to the top of the Castle Premiership table on an afternoon Dynamos fullback Guthrie Zhokinyi’s late own goal against Chicken Inn in Bulawayo generously aided Bosso’s cause.

The Bulawayo giants have now opened a one-point lead over second-placed Dynamos.

Mambare’s winner against Hwange at the Colliery three minutes into injury time came off a contentious free kick, which caught Hwange goalkeeper Timothy Sibanda off-guard.

The late goal sparked off chaotic scenes as Hwange players, as has become the norm, hotly-disputed the goal.

The hosts argued that Mambare took the free-kick hastily before the home side could organise its wall.

They even claimed the ball was not properly-positioned when the former Motor Action man blasted his effort into the net.

In the ensuing brawl, Hwange assistant coach Mabelo Njekwa was sent off.

Soon after the goal, referee Hardly Ndaze blew to end the match.

After the match, Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu blasted Hwange for unsporting behaviour, not for the first time an opposition coach has criticised the coalminers for unprofessional conduct.

“I’m happy we won the game, though Hwange tried to use delaying tactics which was unnecessary, ” said Kaindu.

Hwange had a promising start to the match, with Tawanda Mareya coming close to scoring the opener, but Highlanders keeper Ariel Sibanda was equal to the challenge.

Francisco Zekumbawira also came close moments later, but again Sibanda parried the effort away.

Bosso emerged stronger in the second period, frequenting the Chipangano goal area for a sustained period.
 
But they too spurned several chances until Mambare’s late winner on the stroke of fulltime secured all three points for Tshilamoya, who are now unbeaten 23 games into the season. - Sports Writer