Veteran forward Ralph Matema's second-half strike handed wasteful Highlanders a slender 1-0 win over Yadah FC at Barbourfields on Sunday.
The Bulawayo giants, who went into the encounter in desperate need of victory to keep pace with the leading pack, had looked headed for another frustrating afternoon after wasting a glut of chances in the opening half.
Forward Nhlanhla Dube twice failed to convert from great positions while defender Tendai Ndlovu also had an opportunity to put Bosso ahead, only to shoot weakly at Yadah goalkeeper Chenjerai Dube.
The seasoned Dube was to cost his team later on however, spilling a seemingly harmless cross from Charlton Siamalonga into the path of Matema, who gleefully slotted home.
The win allowed Highlanders to come to within three points of the summit in fifth-pace.
Akbay started with rookie striker Dube along with left-back Siamalonga as he sought a response from his team after an inconsistent run. There were starts also for young stars Godfrey Makaruse and King Nadolo.
The Dutch coach was however disappointed that Bosso struggled to subdue the visitors despite dominating play throughout the 90 minutes.
"I don't know what goes on in my striker's minds because we created so many chances that we failed to score," Akbay said in his post-match remarks.
How Mine suffered a surprise 1-0 loss away to Shabanie to fall further behind in the title race. After a slow start, the gold miners have gradually emerged as a dark horse in what could shape into one of the most exciting title contests ever.
A return of two wins in the last five matches has however seen How Mine slip into seventh place with 25 points, six behind leaders Ngezi.
Dylan Chivandire found the winner soon after the break following some great play by star midfielder Collin Dhuwa as Shabanie registered only their fourth win of the campaign.
Harare City came from behind to salvage a point against Hwange cutesy of a late penalty conversion by goalkeeper Maxwell Nyamupanedengu,
Enterprising midfielder Shepherd Gadzikwa had headed the coalminers into the lead moments before the breather but any hopes of a rare away win were shattered after City were awarded a hotly disputed penalty which Nyamupanedengu duly converted on 75 minutes.