By Sukoluhle Ndlovu
CAPS United handed a grieving Highlanders side a heavy 4-2 defeat in an epic six-goal thriller at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday afternoon, spoiling Bosso’s return to competitive action following the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of three club executives and a supporter.
The Bulawayo giants returned to the pitch carrying the weight of a painful week that had shaken the club and the wider football community.
But CAPS United made the most of the occasion, scoring four goals in the second half to secure maximum points.
Tinotenda Meke, who came on as a second-half substitute, needed just one touch to put CAPS United ahead in the 46th minute.
Malawian forward Uchizi Vunga then doubled the Green Machine’s lead nine minutes later, scoring his first goal since joining the Harare giants from Silver Strikers.
The hosts continued to pile pressure on Bosso, with Democratic Republic of Congo striker Chris Mugalu making it 3-0 in the 60th minute.
Highlanders were handed a lifeline five minutes later when they were awarded a penalty, with Nigerian striker Benjamin Adeogun converting from the spot to score his seventh goal of the season.
But any hopes of a Highlanders comeback were put to bed in the 86th minute when Meke completed his brace to restore CAPS United’s three-goal advantage.
Zambian striker Isaac Ngoma scored a second penalty for Highlanders deep into stoppage time, but it was too little, too late as CAPS United held on for a 4-2 victory.
The defeat means Highlanders have now lost both encounters against CAPS United this season, following a 2-1 defeat at Barbourfields in the reverse fixture.
For Bosso, it was another disappointing result in a match that carried significance beyond the football pitch, as the club returned to action still mourning the loss of four members of its football family.
