Cheya solitary strike seals historic win for Punters on Premiership debut

Salif Cheya netted the only goal of the game as MWOS FC edged Highlanders in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at the Baobab Stadium.

Lloyd Mutasa’s charges, who were at the Mhondoro Ngezi-based facility as the home team since Ngoni Stadium is being renovated to suit top-flight standards, were clearly the better team in the first half but couldn’t penetrate the resolute Highlanders defense.

The first chance of the game fell to Innocent Zambezi, whose flashing header off a Tafadzwa George cross well just wide.

George turned from provider to potential scorer barely a minute later, as his header from a pin point Nigel Matinha cross missed the target by inches.

There was a huge let off for the Punters on the half hour mark, as Martin Mapisa came off his line to clear the ball but mistimed his tackle, but fortunately for the goalkeeper, Highlanders midfielder Prince Ndlovu couldn’t capitalize.

An eventful first half, which MWOS slightly dominated but lacked the cutting edge, ended with the two sides dreadlocked.

MWOS came for the second half better than they were in the first and were rewarded in the 61st minute, when Cheya took advantage of miscommunication in between Highlanders goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi and his defense, to slot home from close range.