Chronicle Editor
Don Makanyanga in Mhondoro-Ngezi
Ngezi Platinum Stars 2-0 Dynamos
NGEZI Platinum Stars secured a top-four finish in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League with a two-nil victory over Dynamos in a re-arranged match played at Baobab Stadium yesterday.
With the two teams set to meet in the Chibuku Super Cup final tie to be played in a fortnight at Rufaro Stadium, it was a confidence booster for the defending league champions, while for Dynamos the match came with lessons for the grand finale.
Goals from Talent Chamboko and Takunda Benhura in the first half were enough to give the hosts maximum points.
It was Ngezi Platinum Stars’ fourth win in six matches at Baobab against the Harare Giants since 2017.
Ngezi Platinum Stars put up a dominant performance in the first half forcing Dynamos to play second fiddle.
Ngezi Platinum Stars made their intentions known as early as the first minute as they forced a corner-kick from the start of the match.
It was from the resultant set-piece that Ngezi Platinum Stars claimed an early lead when
Chamboko headed in a Never Tigere corner kick in the second minute to give the hosts an early lead.
With a psychological advantage from the early goal the hosts had to capitalise on their advantage as they piled pressure on the visitors.
Ngezi Platinum Stars were awarded a freekick on the left flank, which saw Tigere hitting the woodwork from the resultant set piece.
Playing second fiddle, Dynamos were forced to rely on counter-attacks and in the process creating few goal scoring opportunities.
Dynamos came close to restoring parity in the 25th minute when Emmanuel Paga beat his markers on the right flank before making a miscue in a one-on-one situation.
Dynamos won freekick in a dangerous position on the half-hour mark.
Freddy Alick took the honours only to see his effort hitting the wall before skiing his second attempt.
Ngezi Platinum Stars extended their lead six minutes before the break when Obriel Chirinda combined well with Gareth Madhake before setting up Benhura who converted with ease from close range.
Dynamos were to return from the break a much improved side, turning on the pressure on the hosts.
Dynamos continued to ask questions on the hosts’ defence but were let down by the final third.
Moses Demera blew two clear cut chances 20 minutes before time.
The match was dubbed a dress rehearsal of the Chibuku Super Cup final set for November 30 at Rufaro Stadium, Ngezi Platinum Stars assistant coach, Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva, described the win as a confidence booster ahead of the tie.
“We are happy with the result, our target is to finish in a respectable position and our target is a top three finish.
“We were concerned about today’s result more than anything else but the win gives us confidence going into the Chibuku Super Cup final,” said Ngezi Platinum Stars assistant coach
Dynamos coach, Lloyd Chigowe, felt his charges conceded a soft goal and they will seek to rectify their mistakes in the build up to the Chibuku Super Cup.
“We tried to make amends in the second half but their defence was resolute. We now need to rectify weaknesses before the Chibuku Super Cup final,” said Chigowe
Online Reporter