Augustine Hwata
Dynamos …………………………….(2) 2
Monomotapa …………………………..0
Midfielder Tawanda Muparati turned on one of the best individual performances in the Castle Lager Premiership this season to inspire Dynamos to a deserved victory and second place in the championship race.
Muparati was outstanding throughout a dream 90 minutes for the midfielder and scored a beauty after Roderick Mutuma had given DeMbare the lead from the penalty spot.
The Glamour Boys, who started slowly, played with a high tempo once they went ahead and were full value for their victory against a determined Monomotapa side at Rufaro yesterday. FC Platinum went top of the Premiership table on Saturday after dislodging Motor Action, who slipped into third place, following their defeat to CAPS United at Gwanzura yesterday.
Mutuma gave DeMbare the lead when he converted from the penalty spot in the 35th minute before Muparati doubled it after firing home a beauty three minutes later. The win pushed Dynamos into second place with 45 points while FC Platinum are just a point ahead with the Mighty Bulls down on 43 points. Monomotapa were left kicking themselves after failing to convent numerous chances that came their way in the match.
Somehow, Monoz appeared to fall short when it came to precision in front of goal and could not convert a number of good opportunities they created in a lively game. Dynamos, who improved dramatically once they took the lead, also carved out a number of good chances which were not converted.
Veteran striker Cuthbert Malajila could have given Dynamos the lead in the 20th minute when he got to the end of a delivery from Mutuma but Casper Machona blocked the effort. Makai Kawashu’s attempt, at the other end, was headed away by George Magariro.
A timely intervention by Thomas Magorimbo kept the score sheet blank in the 24th minute when the leftback denied Kawashu. Kawashu threatened again on the half-hour mark when he unleashed a thunderbolt that went straight at Washington Arubi. Referee Robert Mugorosa then pointed to the spot after Machona’s left hand blocked a goal-bound effort fired by Milton Makopa.
Striker Mutuma took responsibility and sent Monomotapa goalkeeper Tapiwa Mafunga the wrong way. It was the striker’s 10th league goal and now shares the lead in the race for the Golden Boot with Simba Sithole. The goal gave Dynamos the lift they needed and they went further ahead when midfielder Muparati finished off a move started by Mutuma on the left, who then sent for Murape to deliver the final pass.
Malajila nearly increased the lead in the 39th minute when he came on a strong run on the right channel but Monoz goalkeeper Mafunga did well to narrow the angle and make a crucial save. In the second half, Monomotapa created chances but they were pathetic when it came to finishing with Malvern Dumbura directing the ball wide in the 67th minute.
However, Dynamos began controlling the game following the introduction of Martin Vengesayi and Nathan Ziwini. Monoz have now gone for six games without a win. The Harare side last enjoyed a victory when they beat CAPS United during Week 18 of the Castle Lager Premiership before drawing three and losing as many games in the league.
Under Pasuwa, Dynamos have sailed to victory in the last five league games while the Harare giants also progressed to the quarter-finals of the Mbada Diamond Cup. With a few minutes left in the game, the sub broke from the heavy clouds that had hung over Rufaro and for the supernatural Dynamos fans, it was probably a message from the football gods that there was still light in their battle for the championship.
Monoz coach Taurai Mangwiro said they will have to work hard on their finishing.
“One could see that the guys had the spirit and we dominated the match for the better part.
“We created chances and pound for pound, we were on top but just those five minutes of madness saw us conceding. Our inability is to finish off the opponents and precision has been lacking. However, we are not disheartened and will work hard,” said Mangwiro. Dynamos assistant coach Tonderayi Ndiraya believed they huffed and puffed their way to the priceless three points.
“Monoz had a good game but we also came back at them and that is why we managed to get those two goals,” said Ndiraya. Dynamos still have six crucial games before the end of the season. “We still have six games to go and that is 18 points to play for. There are tough matches against Highlanders, Hwange and Motor Action and we are also going to Mucheke. Today we were not at our best but what was important was getting the three points,” said Ndiraya.
Teams
Dynamos
W. Arubi, T. Magorimbo, D. Kutyauripo, G. Zhokinyi, G. Magariro, M. Murape (F. Vimisayi 60th min), R. Mutuma (M. Vengesayi 81st min), T. Muparati, C. Malajila, M. Makopa, A. Gutu (N. Ziwini 81st min)
Monomotapa
T. Mafunga, O. Mwerahari, M. Kawashu, D. Mukandi, T. Ngulube, R. Madamombe, M. Dumbura, B. Mapfumo (B. Katsaruware) C. Machona, J. Mutambirwa, H. Mugoniwa.
Results:
Saturday: Black Mambas 1, Highlanders 0; Hwange 1, Shooting Stars 0; Gunners 1, Masvingo 0; Blue Ribbon 0, Platinum 2.
Yesterday: CAPS United 2, Motor Action 0; Dynamos 2, Monomotapa 0; Zimbabwe Saints 0; Chicken Inn 0; Shabanie 3, Kiglon 1.
