DeMbare breathe sigh of relief

By Mehluli Sibanda

Tsholotsho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(0) 0

Dynamos . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1

Dynamos interim coach Lloyd Mutasa believes yesterday’s hard-fought win over a resolute Tsholotsho at Barbourfields Stadium will bring a sense of belief to his floundering side.

A first half penalty by Ocean Mushure was all DeMbare needed to pick up their second Castle Lager Premier Soccer League win of the season.

Mutasa, thrust into the hot seat following the sacking of Portuguese gaffer Paulo Jorge Silva two weeks ago, is convinced the victory will be a huge morale booster ahead of a clash with bitter rivals Highlanders on Sunday.

He applauded Tsholotsho for the fight they put up, adding that the home side were unfortunate to concede the penalty.

“We last won a match four matches ago, so it was always going to be difficult for us. This win can only instil a sense of belief in the youngsters but we still have a lot of ground to cover. Our conversion rate is not a reflection of our attacking prowess,” said Mutasa.

Lizwe Sweswe, the Tsholotsho coach, was disappointed with his team’s failure to score despite having dominated Dynamos for the better part of the match.

“It is one of those days in office when you play well but you don’t win. It was inside the first five minutes that we lost the game. We conceded that penalty and went on to play well but we just could not convert our chances,” said Sweswe.

Dynamos were gifted an early advantage six minutes into the match, Thando Ncube pulling down Farai Mupasiri inside the box to leave referee Nkosikhona Moyo with no option but to point to the spot. Mushure made no mistake, sending Chang Mariyoni the wrong way.

Three minutes later, Obey Mwerahari’s firm header from a free kick was cleanly gathered by Mariyoni.

Defender Nkosi Moyo wasted a glorious opportunity to pull Tsholotsho level in the 22nd minute when he blasted his effort wide with Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva at his mercy.

DeMbare fashioned a good chance with half-an-hour played, Richard Kawondera sent through by Brett Amidu but Mariyoni was alert to avert the danger posed by the attack.

The second half completely belonged to Tsholotsho but the home side could not find a way past the Dynamos defensive wall.

Teams

Tsholotsho: Chang Mariyoni, MacClive Phiri, Nkosi Moyo, Thando Ncube, William Stima, Butholezwe Ncube, Rodrick Mupfudza, Bruno Madanhire (L.Chikuhwa, 65’), Simbarashe Gorogodyo, Joel Luphahla (C.Duhwa, 49’), Mustapha Ponyera

Dynamos: Tatenda Mukuruva, Obey Mwerahari, Ocean Mushure, Elisha Muroiwa, Sydney Linyama, Stephen Alimenda, Brett Amidu (Mukanga, 46’), Carlos Rusere (Mambare, 74’), Godknows Murwira, Farai Mupasiri, Richard Kawondera (Chipunza, 80’). Sunday News