Highlanders 2 – 1 Hunters (ZWE)
Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League – 31 May 2026

Highlanders secured a vital 2-1 home victory over Hunters at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday evening, moving up to third in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League table. The win extended Bosso’s unbeaten run to five matches and further dented Hunters’ hopes of climbing away from the relegation scrap.

First half: Highlanders take early control

The home side started with intensity and were rewarded in the 12th minute. Winger Tinashe Makoni cut inside from the left and curled a delightful effort into the far corner, giving Hunters goalkeeper Tanaka Chikodzi no chance. Highlanders continued to dominate possession, with centre‑back Nqobizitha Masuku marshalling the defence superbly.

Hunters struggled to find rhythm but almost levelled just before half‑time when striker Takudzwa Chigumbura’s header was brilliantly tipped over by Highlanders goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda.

Second half: Hunters fight back but fall short

Highlanders doubled their lead in the 57th minute. A swift counter‑attack ended with captain Marvelous Chigumbura arriving late in the box to stab home from close range. The two‑goal cushion seemed comfortable, but Hunters pulled one back in the 74th minute through substitute Nigel Makumbe, who finished a loose ball after a corner.

The visitors pressed hard for an equaliser in the final quarter, but Highlanders held firm. The win was sealed when defender Godfrey Makaruse made a goal‑line clearance in the 89th minute.

Key performers

• Tinashe Makoni (Highlanders) – Scored a brilliant opener and was a constant threat.
• Marvelous Chigumbura (Highlanders) – Captained the side from midfield and got on the scoresheet.
• Ariel Sibanda (Highlanders) – Made two crucial saves, including a penalty‑stop denied by the post.

Table implications

Highlanders moved to 32 points from 18 matches, now just three points behind leaders Dynamos. Hunters remained in 15th place with 16 points, only two points above the relegation zone. The result also extended Highlanders’ remarkable home record this season – eight wins and one draw from nine matches at Barbourfields.