Don Makanyanga, Langton Nyakwenda and Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HARARE giants Dynamos remain without a league victory at Baobab Stadium since Ngezi Platinum’s promotion after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash yesteday.
Farai Madhanhanga struck a late equaliser for 10-man Ngezi to cancel out Ben Sidibe’s first-half opener and preserve their four-point advantage over Dynamos in the race for a top-four finish.
Ngezi remain third on 56 points, with Dynamos fourth on 52, as both sides seek to strengthen their positions with two matches remaining.
Dynamos started brightly, with Witness Shave’s second-minute free-kick crashing against the woodwork before Leeroy Mavunga forced a save from Ngezi goalkeeper Darlington Murasiranwa.
The visitors took the lead in the 40th minute when Sidibe outmuscled Leslie Kashitigu after receiving a long ball from goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni before slotting home.
Ngezi returned from the break with renewed purpose but struggled to break down a resolute Dynamos defence.
DeMbare came close to doubling their advantage with about 20 minutes remaining when substitute Calum English-Brown headed a Shave cross against the crossbar.
The hosts’ task became more difficult when substitute Tinotenda Murasiranwa was sent off for elbowing Dynamos midfielder Isaac Landu, barely two minutes after coming on.
However, Ngezi refused to surrender and were rewarded seven minutes from time when Makoni made a costly mistake, passing the ball to Madhanhanga while out of position.
The midfielder capitalised, lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper. His effort struck the upright before crossing the goalline, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.
Ngezi coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva praised his players’ resilience, particularly after they were reduced to 10 men.
“What I am happy about is the application of the team. The boys actually played really well, which I attribute to their commitment to get maximum points. Unfortunately, we couldn’t manage to get them,” he said.
Dynamos coach Aristica Cioaba was disappointed to surrender the lead through a late defensive lapse but urged his players to remain focused.
“We gifted the opponents the goal, but congratulations to our players for their effort. We know there are only three games remaining,” he said.
“We need to maintain our morale and fighting spirit. We just need to maintain our concentration from the first minute to the 90th minute, until the final whistle, so that we can collect as many points as possible.”
At Rufaro, FC Platinum coach Thabo Senong came prepared for Herentals predator Ralph Kawondera and his plan worked as the four-time champions thrashed the Students 3-0.
Kawondera has been deadly, scoring 12 times in the league, but the utility player did not find any space to do his usual thing.
Tubelihle Jubane, Oscar Bhebhe and man of the match Trevor Bhunu were on target for Pure Platinum Play, who have vastly improved since the arrival of South African coach Senong.
FC Platinum recovered swiftly from last week’s defeat by CAPS United at Mandava and Senong credited his players.
“We wanted to make sure we deny them spaces to find Ralph because we know Ralph has scored a lot of goals, about 12 goals. So we just tried to deny him space and time on the ball,” said Senong.
Former Golden Eagles star Bhunu was the main actor. He capped a fine show with a thunderous volley right at the death, after Jubane and Bhebhe had also found the target for Pure Platinum Play.
FC Platinum went into the match sitting 10th and the win will help their quest for a top-eight finish.
The former champions are now on 43 points while Herentals remain on 48, with their chances of claiming a top-four finish getting slimmer.
FC Platinum have improved vastly since the arrival of South African coach Thabo Senong at the end of July. They have lost only once since he replaced Joel Lupahla.
“I am happy with this performance, credit to the team,” said Bhunu.
Herentals coach Paul Benza said his team is not under any pressure despite the loss.
At Luveve, Chicken Inn coach Tonderai Ndiraya expressed concern over his team’s inability to turn home matches into victories after they were held to a draw by ZPC Kariba, despite creating opportunities to claim maximum points.
Ndiraya said his side had developed a worrying habit of collecting points on the road but dropping them at home, an inconsistency he attributed partly to the irregular scheduling of matches.
“It was a tough match. We were playing a very tough team. I would like to congratulate the team for getting the point away from home.
“We had some chances that I thought we should have buried but we couldn’t,” said ZPC Kariba coach Expense Chitukutuku.
“We have developed a worrying trend where we get maximum points away and we draw at home. We were not pushing the ball around like we normally do, maybe it’s because of the inconsistency in terms of how our games have come through,” said Ndiraya.
The match produced chances at both ends, but neither side could find the decisive finish to settle the contest.
Joseph Tulani missed an opportunity for Ndiraya’s side before Michael Charamba also failed to capitalise on a second-half chance.
ZPC Kariba had opportunities of their own, with Brian Kusinyera coming close twice as the visitors threatened to snatch a winner in the second half.
