Highlanders’ campaign is in danger of drifting, and the pattern is becoming impossible to ignore. Seven games into the season, they have seven draws, with the latest stalemate at Barbourfields Stadium feeling particularly frustrating after a performance that deserved more.

Bosso were in control for most of the afternoon against ZPC Kariba, dictating the tempo and spending long stretches on the front foot. They created enough opportunities to secure a comfortable win, but a combination of poor finishing and an outstanding display from goalkeeper Future Sibanda denied them. The shot-stopper proved especially crucial in the second half, repeatedly keeping his side in the contest.

The home side started brightly. Just two minutes in, Rainsome Pavari found himself in a dangerous area, but his touch let him down at the key moment. Shortly after, Nomore Chinyerere attempted an effort from distance, only to send it off target.

Highlanders continued to press. In the 12th minute, Mongameli Tshuma set up Benjamin Adeogun with a clear sight of goal, but the striker fired over from a promising position. Adeogun came close again later in the half, forcing Sibanda into an important save as the pressure intensified.

ZPC Kariba offered little going forward, often pinned deep inside their own half. Highlanders earned several set-pieces around the half-hour mark but could not convert any of them into goals. With four minutes remaining before the interval, a well-placed free-kick narrowly missed the target, reflecting a half where dominance failed to produce a breakthrough.

Even in added time, the deadlock remained. Kudakwashe Mahachi delivered a dangerous cross into the box, but no one was on hand to finish, leaving Highlanders once again to rue missed chances.