Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Dynamos 0-1 Chicken Inn
AFTER weeks of frustration and near-misses, Chicken Inn finally tasted victory in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League — and they did it in the grandest of theatres.
With time running out and tension high at Rufaro, Brian Muza stepped forward with a moment of brilliance, rifling a rising shot from outside the box that flew past a stunned Prince Tafiremutsa in the Dynamos goal.
The 85th-minute strike was a dagger to the hearts of the Harare giants, but for the Bulawayo-based Gamecocks, it was a breath of fresh air — a first win of the season after a nervy five-game run without a victory.
“It’s a confidence booster. Everyone will be buzzing,” said a jubilant Fungai ‘Tostao’ Kwashi, Chicken Inn’s assistant coach. “We shall enjoy the night. I’ll allow the lads to have beers, have a drink, have fun with their wives. They need it. It’s part of the business.”
After four draws and a defeat in their opening five fixtures, the win couldn’t have come at a better time — or at a better place. Beating Dynamos, at Rufaro, in front of a tense and restless home crowd, will be seen as a significant psychological lift for Joey Antipas’ men.
“This is big for the boys. But we won’t get carried away. Come Tuesday, we’re back to work — Simba Bhora is next,” said Kwashi.
On a day when both teams huffed and puffed, it was Muza’s determination and accuracy that proved decisive. Picking up a loose ball in space, the diminutive forward glanced at goal and unleashed a vicious effort. Tafiremutsa was caught flat-footed — the strike soared into the top corner to send the visiting bench into wild celebration.
Chicken Inn had created decent chances before the goal, with Mpumelelo Bhebhe forcing a good save from Tafiremutsa in the first-half and Xolani Ndlovu testing him again from a set-piece.
But it was the discipline and persistence of the Gamecocks that stood out. They were compact, organised, and aggressive in the duels — especially in midfield where Dominic Jaricha and Itai Mabhunu controlled the rhythm for long spells.
For a team that had often looked impressive in possession but failed to turn pressure into goals, Sunday’s result was both a relief and a validation.
“It’s not just about the three points,” said one Chicken Inn official after the match. “It’s about showing that we can go toe-to-toe with the so-called giants. We’ve believed in this group from the start.”
The travelling fans were just as ecstatic. Small in number but loud in voice, they cheered long after the final whistle as their team clapped them off in appreciation.
This win now takes Chicken Inn to seven points from six games, and more importantly, gives them momentum heading into a tricky run of fixtures.
While Chicken Inn left Rufaro smiling, the mood in the Dynamos camp was far from pleasant. The defeat, their second of the season, saw the Harare giants drop to 13th place, with just six points and a paltry two goals to show from six games.
DeMbare’s assistant coach Mark Mathe lamented missed chances and questioned referee Mercy Maimbo’s decision not to stop play after Shadreck Nyahwa was left down injured in the build-up to Muza’s goal.
Meanwhile, MWOS beat Herentals 1-0 Wadzanai Stadium yesterday.
