Highlanders walked away with a valuable point from Rufaro after being held to a goalless draw by Herentals in a match that failed to live up to its promise. The draw continues a worrying stretch for Herentals, who have gone quiet of late and now count their last three matches as barren goal-less draws.
From the first whistle, the Students worked hard, deploying a compact defensive structure that forced the visitors to grind for openings. Highlanders pushed, asked questions, but time and again found themselves blocked. The hosts came perilously close in the opening minutes when defender Arthur Ndlovu nearly scored an own goal, only for veteran goalie Ariel Sibanda to react sharply. Later, Lot Chiwunga had a chance blocked by the alert Andrew Mbeba.
Despite controlling possession and territory for long spells, Highlanders couldn’t find a break. Herentals held firm even without their inspirational captain, putting up a stern resistance to protect the point. The draw lifts Highlanders to 35 points and sees them leapfrog CAPS United into ninth place.
For Herentals, however, this result will be a disappointment. Their bid for a top-four finish looks harder by the week, and three consecutive goalless matches have exposed a side lacking attacking spark. The defensive display was solid, but the lack of cutting edge in the final third will worry their coach and fans alike.
Highlanders leave with relief in hand; the point may not have dazzled, but it was earned in a tight contest. Herentals, meanwhile, must rediscover their attacking threat if their aspirations are to remain alive.
