Chicken Inn went into the halftime break with a slender but crucial lead over Highlanders in the latest edition of the Bulawayo Derby at Barbourfields Stadium, thanks to a commanding header from Brian Muza. The striker rose highest in the 26th minute, converting a precise cross from Michael Charamba to give the Gamecocks the advantage in a match charged with tension, rivalry, and high stakes for survival in the league standings.
From the opening whistle, Highlanders—popularly known as Bosso—set the pace, displaying urgency and intent. Their early dominance created the first notable chances of the contest. In the 10th minute, Brian Mlotshwa rose to meet an Andrew Mbeba free kick but could only direct his header wide, leaving fans in the Soweto Stand momentarily stunned. Just a minute later, Charamba tried his luck with a long-range effort that soared over the crossbar, underlining Highlanders’ early attacking ambition.
Bosso continued to dictate play, maintaining possession and probing for openings. In the 14th minute, Learnmore Muyambo attempted a powerful shot from distance that skimmed just over the bar, keeping Chicken Inn’s defence on high alert. The visitors, however, were quick to respond. By the 18th minute, Chicken Inn launched successive headed attempts through George Majika and Joseph Tulani, both narrowly missing the target. Moments later, Highlanders’ Nigerian midfielder Benjamin Adeogun tested goalkeeper Donovan Bernard with a dipping effort, forcing a sharp save as Bernard punched the ball away for a corner.
Highlanders continued to press, coming close in the 21st minute when Atusaye Nyondo capitalised on a defensive error by Bernard but could not convert the opportunity. Seconds later, Tendai Muvuti fired over from a promising position, while Mason Mushore, finding space in the box, hesitated and lost possession before taking a shot. Despite Highlanders’ early control, Chicken Inn’s organised defence and counter-attacking threat kept the match finely balanced.
The breakthrough came in the 26th minute when Muza’s aerial prowess proved decisive. Rising above defenders, he met Charamba’s accurate delivery with a powerful header that beat the goalkeeper, sending the travelling supporters into raptures. The goal injected confidence into the Gamecocks, who began to hold their shape while looking to exploit spaces on the break.
Muza’s Bullet Header Stuns Highlanders
Tensions escalated as the first half progressed. Shortly after the half-hour mark, Brian Mlotshwa received a yellow card for violent conduct, a warning that mirrored the fiery nature of the derby. Highlanders’ coach Pieter De Jongh was also shown a yellow card in the 35th minute for kicking the ball back onto the pitch in visible frustration. These disciplinary actions highlighted the intensity of the encounter, as both sides struggled to assert control and maintain composure under pressure.
As halftime approached, Chicken Inn nearly doubled their advantage. A precise cross from Xolani Ndlovu found Lynoth Chikuhwa in a promising position, but the forward could not connect cleanly, allowing Highlanders to breathe a sigh of relief. The missed opportunity underscored the fine margins of the contest, where one lapse could tilt momentum either way.
The Bulawayo Derby, often referred to as the “Derby of Doom,” delivered on its reputation for drama and high-octane football. The first 45 minutes combined attacking ambition, missed chances, and tactical discipline from both sides. Highlanders’ early dominance was countered by Chicken Inn’s resilience and tactical awareness, resulting in a tightly contested affair that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Beyond the goals and near misses, the match featured moments of individual brilliance and defensive composure, with both goalkeepers called into action multiple times. Donovan Bernard’s crucial saves for Chicken Inn contrasted with Highlanders’ resolute defensive blocks, showing why the derby remains one of Zimbabwe’s most anticipated fixtures.
As the teams returned to the pitch for the second half, anticipation grew. Highlanders, chasing parity, would need to increase their attacking intensity and composure in front of goal, while Chicken Inn would aim to consolidate their lead and exploit counter-attacking opportunities. The second 45 minutes promised even more drama, as both sides pushed for supremacy in one of Zimbabwe’s most fiercely contested rivalries.
For fans at Barbourfields Stadium and viewers following from afar, the first half served as a reminder of why the Bulawayo Derby commands such passion: a mixture of skill, rivalry, tension, and the constant potential for game-changing moments. With both teams poised for a thrilling second half, the outcome remains wide open, ensuring that the “Derby of Doom” lives up to its formidable reputation.
Source- Herald
