Dynamos edge CAPS in Mbada Diamonds Cup

Dynamos      (0) 1   CAPS United  0

Dynamos progressed to the quarter-finals of the Mbada Diamonds Cup after edging bitter rivals CAPS United in a dull first round encounter at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

DeMbare benefited from an own goal following a desperate clearance attempt by CAPS defender David Sengu after Denver Mukamba had sent in a perfect low cross meant for Archford Gutu in the 73rd minute. DeMbare will now have to negotiate their way to the next stage of this lucrative tournament with a date against Shooting Stars, who beat Hwange 1-0 at Barbourfields on Saturday.

But, as has become of the famous Harare derbies, Dynamos and CAPS yesterday connived to disappoint the crowds with a pathetic show on the pitch which was just an echo of their meetings in recent years. Besides the fortuitous goal, there was nothing much to write home about in this match as both sides failed to come to the party, with little goal-mouth action to suggest their commitment.

There had to be a Man-of-the-Match award presentation at the end of the match and it went to Dynamos’ Milton Makopa who played his heart out with some gritty marking which effectively severed the CAPS United midfield supply line. With some luck Makopa could have put his name on the scoresheet when his powerful shot took a deflection off a CAPS United player on the hour mark and sailed over the crossbar.

DeMbare, twice, thought they had broken the ice but the efforts were both overruled by the referee Masimba Chihowa. First it was Malajila who got the ball in the back of the net in the 15th minute when he chipped over goalkeeper Muzondiwa Gonese but first assistant referee Alfred Zindove had his flag up for an infringement on Sengu. Then Roderick Mutuma finished off a fine move in the 59th minute and second assistant referee Pets Nwaparu correctly signaled off-side.

At the other end, Evans Gwekwerere was always a difficult customer for the Dynamos defenders each time he was in possession. Gwekwerere found a gap just before the half time break and unleashed a grounder that goalkeeper Washington Arubi found too hot to handle before collecting at the second attempt. Substitute Leonard Tsipa just could not get enough contact with his head in the 56th minute from Tapiwa Kumbuyani’s free-kick in the Dynamos’ half.

David Rediyoni also had his shot blocked in the 69th minute and Gwekwerere was at hand for the rebound before Makopa cleared the lines. Dynamos coach Callisto Pasuwa said he was satisfied by the outcome of the match despite their subdued performance. “We played well overall except for some moments when we tended to be too slow at the leftback and we rectified it in the second half. But I think defensively and offensively we were okay.

“I told these guys that CAPS are very dangerous at the moment because you have beaten them three times this year. So we were up to the challenge but I think both teams were too cautious in their approach. The penetration pass was lacking as the players were more comfortable keeping the ball rather than being adventurous,” said Pasuwa. DeMbare, however, had the last laugh as they made it four victories over CAPS this year in as many meetings.

Mukamba beat an offside trap and centred the ball in the CAPS penalty area and as Gutu, who was a second half substitute, charged for goal Sengu miscued the ball into his own nets. The goal was credited to Gutu, although it was a difficult call, as Sengu had the last touch while the Dynamos midfielder charged in. Mukamba and Mutuma were booked for their provocative celebrations after heading to the CAPS United supporters’ bay signaling them to shut up and were greeted with missiles.

Makepekepe coach Lloyd Chitembwe was disappointed by the defeat. “We just did not come to the party as a team. Obviously it’s disappointing to lose a match but we can draw solace from the lessons that we drew from this defeat,” said Chitembwe.

Teams

Dynamos – W. Arubi, D. Kutyauripo, T. Magorimbo, G. Zhokinyi, G. Magariro, M. Makopa, M. Murape (A. Gutu 66th minute), D. Mukamba, T. Muparati, C. Malajila (M. Vengesai 89th minute), R. Mutuma. (L. Kurauzvione, 91st minute)

CAPS United – M. Gonese, T. Kumbuyani, D. Walaza, N. Mukumbi, D. Sengu, E. Chafungamoyo, S. Alimenda, D. Rediyoni, M. Samaneka, P. Tafirenyika (L. Tsipa 46th minute), E. Gwekwerere.