CAPS fail to break DeMbare jinx

By Grace Chingoma

Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1

CAPS United . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1

Not even the return of Lloyd Chitembwe, the last coach to lead CAPS United to a league win over bitter rivals Dynamos, could inspire the Green Machine to end a six-year wait for that elusive win in the Harare Derby at Rufaro yesterday.

But, to their credit, CAPS United fought gallantly and could have been full value for that long-awaited victory had they converted their chances after turning on a lively first-half show.

And, even after they fell behind to a late goal by Dynamos substitute, Takesure Chinyama, they showed character to fight back for a share of the spoils and ensure that, at least, this year they didn’t lose a league game to their fierce rivals.

The result virtually ended DeMbare’s faint hopes of winning a straight fifth league title and, in a dramatic conclusion, the Glamour Boys came within just the frame of the crossbar, and a spectacular save by ‘keeper Jorum Muchambo, to winning this game.

CAPS United also kissed the crossbar and Chitembwe believes they had a great opportunity to win the match following a superb performance by his charges, especially in the first half.

“We did dominate, especially in the first half, and they also had their moments in the second half but I am impressed by the character that the boys showed,” said Chitembwe.

“It is all down to hard work. I just hope that it is a step in the right direction.

“It is back to the drawing board and we just hope to commit ourselves as much as we did today and who knows with a little bit of luck we could have at least managed to win but unfortunately we didn’t.

“The focus is now on the Easycall Cup and we hope to do well in the Cup.”

Dynamos coach Tonderai Ndiraya said CAPS United worked hard for the draw but he believes his charges could also have won the match.

“I think it was a frustrating match. I think we controlled the greater part of the match but we could not get the maximum points we wanted,” he said.

“We went ahead and I thought we were going to protect that lead but, unfortunately, due to poor marking at the back we had to concede what I call a soft goal from Leonard Tsipa.

“It is disappointing but that is football. I think they (CAPS United) fought hard, they worked for it and deserved the draw they got but I thought we were in a better position to win it.”

The former Dynamos forward said they were not throwing in the towel yet in the championship race even though that now looks unlikely.

“It is still game on but our chances are diminishing by each passing day so we need to post some good results and when I say good results we need to win the games and I think in the past three games we have not done well, we have drawn three games in a row which is not good for us as a club,” said Ndiraya.

“We will keep fighting to the end, we will keep playing our matches but I was quite confident that we would get a positive result today but that is football.

“A 1-1 draw might seem a fair result but I thought my team deserved a win.

“We want to finish on a high and we want to keep on fighting. And, of course, our focus now is the Easycall Cup. Remember, we don’t have a trophy in our cabinet so we will try and push for that one, it might be a face-saver for us this season.”

The match began on a high tempo and the Green Machine were on control in the first half but wasted their chances.

The Glamour Boys returned from the breather a better side although the substitution of Rodreck Mutuma, instead of Richard Kawondera, was not approved by their fans.

However, substitute Chinyama pushed them ahead with 15 minutes left in regulation time.

Dynamos midfielder Ronald Chitiyo suddenly sparked into life down the wing, reminding us of the Rooney that used to be the creative hub of the Glamour Boys in the first half of the season, and then picking Chinyama with a fine angled pass.

The big forward tapped the ball home with the CAPS defence at sea.

A year ago, CAPS United would have surrendered by this is a different Green Machine and, six minutes later, they equalised when veteran forward headed home for a share of the spoils.

Dominic Chungwa, who came in as a substitute, had a golden chance to win the game but fired his effort over the bar after fine work by his team freed him inside the box.

However, the champions thought they had secured a dramatic win, right at the end, but they were denied by the crossbar and Muchambo saved brilliantly after Chitiyo let go a full-bloodied shot from cross range.

It would have been a cruel blow for CAPS United, given the way they fought yesterday, and just as well the football gods ensured that the big game would end in a draw.

Teams

Dynamos: T. Mukuruva, B. Moyo, G. Murwira, A. Mbara, C. Rusere(K. Bulaji, 63rd minute), O. Mushure, R. Kawondera (F. Mupasiri, 87th minute), W. Mukanga, R. Chitiyo, R. Mutuma (T. Chinyama, 61st minute).

CAPS United: J. Muchambo, Z. Biseki, J. Jangano, C. Munzwabwa, S. Makatuka, D. Mukandi, M. Muchenje, H. Zvirekwi, P. Bamusi (A. Fugo, 77th minute), J. Ngodzo (D. Chungwa, 58th minute), L. Tsipa. The Herald