Dynamos bounce back into title race

By Eddie Chikamhi and Saul Mundandi

The Premiership soccer title race took an exciting twist Sunday as log leaders Motor Action dropped two crucial points in a goalless draw against Highlanders at Motor Action Sports Club while Dynamos ghosted back into the picture with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over FC Victoria at Mucheke.

Benjamin Marere’s brace and another fine effort from Nicholas Arufandika helped Harare giants Dynamos to bounce back from a poor run of two successive defeats and reaffirm their position in the title race with just two games remaining. The two teams are now level on 60 points but Motor Action still lead the table because of a superior goal difference, despite settling for a share of the spoils against Highlanders in front of a near capacity crowd.

The Mighty Bulls still have another tough hurdle to clear as they face CAPS United in their next match before concluding the season with a date against Lengthens while DeMbare take on Douglas Warriors and Black Mambas in their remaining matches. Dynamos coach Elvis Chiweshe yesterday suffered verbal abuse from the team’s fans after a slow start, but was a relieved man at the end of the match at Mucheke.

DeMbare were on target as early as the sixth minute when they capitalised on a poor clearance by FC Victoria defenders from a cross by Arufandika. Marere had the easy task to slot the ball home past goalkeeper Dzingai Murinye before Patrick Chagara levelled terms for the home side in the 36th minute. Chagara met a perfect cross from Walter Mukanga on the right and unleashed a powerful shot that beat Dynamos goalkeeper Knowledge Jimu all systems out.

After a disappointing first half, Dynamos patron, the Minister of Media, Information and Publicity Webster Shamu, who was part of the crowd at Mucheke, visited the team in their dressing room during the half-time break and had a word with Chiweshe and captain Desmond Mari-ngwa, who was on the bench in the first 45 minutes. DeMbare, who retained their lead soon after resumption, were back on the driving seat in the second half.

The introduction of Maringwa in the 56th minute breathed more life into their midfield department. Marere completed his brace in the 48th minute when he finished off a rebound after defender Guthrie Zhokinyi’s effort had crashed against the woodwork.  “It feels great to play as a striker and pay back the faith of the coach by scoring goals.

“I am happy Dynamos is still in the race for the championship and I just hope we win our remaining matches,” said Marere after the match. Two minutes before Marere’s second goal, Arufandika had scored the best goal of the afternoon. The DeMbare midfielder won possession in their half and exchanged passes with Evans Gwekwerere ,who sold a dummy to Steven Sheshe before returning the pass to the former Underhill player. Arufandika then released a blistering shot the beat goalkeeper Dzingai Murinye.

In Harare, the Mighty Bulls, missing the services of defender Sam Mutenheri and midfielder Allan Gaha-dzikwa through suspension, looked second best for much of the first half but came back stronger in the second. Coach Joey Antipas said they will not allow the setback against Highlanders dampen their spirits in pursuit of their maiden championship.

“It was a tough game and both teams fought their hearts out. We wanted maximum points from this match, unfortunately, it ended in a draw. This is all part of football and we shall continue fighting. We are still on top and we have equal chances of winning, although we have now made it difficult for ourselves,” said Antipas.

The Mighty Bulls were made to appear more like the away team as their brass band was virtually eclipsed by the vociferous Highlanders supporters. They were kept on the backfoot for most of the time and should have been relieved to collect a point. Their best chance came in the 32nd minute when Edward Tembo fired a volley that was tipped over the crossbar by Highlanders goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda.

First half substitute Masimba Mambare’s shot took a deflection off a Bosso defender but the effort found Sibanda alert. Highlanders lacked the cutting edge in front of goal with goalkeeper Marlon Jani also providing good cover for the Mighty Bulls.

Exciting midfielder Joel Ngodzo, who was behind most of the Bosso moves, had the team’s first attempt at goal in the 12th minute but his long-range volley lacked power. Former Black Rhinos midfielder Menard Mupera also came close with two chances in both halves.

Motor Action also survived an anxious moment in the 86th minute when Jani strayed from his area and made a half clearance with his head. Highlanders’ captain Bekithemba Ndlovu managed to keep the ball in play with Jani off guard but the Motor Action shot stopper recovered and gathered the ball to safety.

Highlanders coach Mkuphali Masuku, whose side dropped points for the first time in 10 games, bemoaned the state of the pitch at Motor Action Sports Club which was slippery in the wake of some afternoon showers.

“It’s a good result considering that the pitch was not in a very good condition. We would have loved to beat them here because they beat us in the reverse fixture at Barbourfields. It was a tough match though,” he said.

Other results at a glance

Dynamos	3	1	FC Victoria
Motor Action	0	0	Highlanders
Eagles	1	4	Caps United
Kiglon	2	0	Gunners