Highlanders assistant coach Mandla Mpofu says poor defending cost them in their match against Bulawayo City on Sunday.

Mpofu took charge of the 1-2 loss as his boss Madinda Ndlovu watched from the terraces. Tendai Ndlovu opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Ozias Zibande who is a Highlanders player on loan at Amakhosi equalised early in the second period.

Sipho Ndlovu grabbed the winner in the 66th minute, heading in Timothy January’s cross.

“It was a game of two halves. We dominated the first period which I think we should have scored at least three goals. They put us under pressure in the second half and got their goals. Poor defending of crosses let us down and we are very disappointed with the result,” said Mpofu.

Highlanders will travel to Gweru for a date with Chapungu in their next match on Wednesday.