DeMbare allow students to snatch a point

Herentals (1) 2- (1) 2 Dynamos

GHANAIAN Frank Agyemang scored the fastest goal of the Castle Lager Premiership this season but the strike was not enough to bring relief to Dynamos after they were held by bogey side Herentals at Rufaro yesterday.

Agyemang was on target after only 17 seconds. The expat winger was in brilliant form yesterday, also assisting the second goal scored by Jairos Kasondo soon after the restart.

But DeMbare’s spineless defence was duly punished after twice letting go of their lead, in a game that looked there for the taking.

Dreamer Liyeto equalised for Herentals just after 15 minutes before Kasondo put DeMbare back in the lead.

Dynamos thought they had it in the bag but veteran utility man Ralph Kawondera had the final say with a stunning grounder right at the death, which catapulted him back to the top of the scoring charts.

But the numbers are not looking good for Dynamos who have not won a match in their last six games. Dynamos seem to have lost the same kind of team they had at the start of the season as they have managed only four points from a possible 18, leaving their supporters in bewilderment.

Coach Genesis Mangombe , who made five changes to the team that lost 1-2 to CAPS United in the Derby last Sunday, was concerned by his defence, with goalkeeper Harmony Nare again falling short when dealing with corner kicks and aerial balls.

“We played according to our plan but at the same time we are found wanting and conceding goals of the same type each and every game, which I think we need to work very hard and improve on defending some goals from crosses and also corner kicks,’ said Mangombe.

“But overall, I like the way the team played, given that we have several changes in the team and also managing to score two goals.

“Those are the positives we are looking into and also we will try and take them forward, then try to rectify our defending as well.”

Dynamos are now on seventh position with 18 points from 12 games. They trail log leaders CAPS United by eight points.

DeMbare had themselves to blame yesterday after they failed to manage their lead on two occasions.

Agyemang put them in the lead when he blasted home from close range before most of the supporters had taken their seats.

The winger was at the right place when Kasondo blocked a hurried clearance by goalkeeper Tinotendaishe Takarinda soon after the referee had blown to start the game.

But they failed to defend from a corner kick, just like last week when they conceded against CAPS United, with defenders flat-footed and the goalkeeper at sea.

Liyeto headed the equaliser unmarked after 15 minutes.

Referee Lawrence Zimhondi almost lost control of the game late in the first half, after DeMbare supporters hurled missiles in protest against the referees decisions, which they felt were biased against their team.

DeMbare reclaimed the lead with another early goal on resumption. Agyemang turned provider after sprinting down the right channel before delivering a perfect low cross that was blasted in by Kasondo.

Dnamos goalkeeper Nare made a point blank save to deny Lot Chiunga midway through the second half.

But the Students still salvaged a point at the death with captain Kawondera. The veteran utility man, who started off as a centreback switched to centre forward the last 30 minutes of the game.

He proved why he is the league’s top scorer when he controlled a cross from Liyeto with composure and then unleashed a low shot to the bottom corner.

Kawondera now has seven goals, one ahead of Kasondo and Khama Billiat of Scottland.

Herentals coach Paul Benza was excited by his team’s performance, which enabled them to maintain their place just above Dynamos on the log standings with 19 points.

Teams:

Herentals:
Tinotendaishe Takarinda, Brighton Majarira, Dreamer Liyeto, Tinashe Mupumha, Elasto Chigora (Lot Chiunga, 46th min), Blessing Phiri, Prince Mahembe, Ralph Kawondera, Tinashe Mazambani, Wilmore Chimbetu, Innocent Benza (Milton Chimedza, 46th min)

Dynamos: Harmony Nare, Hastings Chapusha, Wisdom Mutasa (Stanley Billiat, 67th min), Tellmore Pio, Jairos Kasondo (Moses Demera, 86th min), Leeroy Mavunga (Witness Shave, 67th min), Frank Agyemang, Abel Gwatidzo, Christopher Netty, Isaac Landu (Collen Mujuru, 68th min)