Online Reporter
Oscar Rusenga in Chisumbanje
Zimpapers Sports Hub
GreenFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 0
Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 0
DYNAMOS plunged into the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League relegation zone after labouring to a goalless draw against GreenFuel at the GreenFuel Arena yesterday, a grim reflection of their dismal start to the season.
The Harare giants, who are now win-less in their last five matches, find themselves rooted in the bottom four, staring at the very real threat of relegation unless they can engineer a swift turnaround.
Ghanaian forward Frank Agyemang compounded their misery when he was sent off early in the second half after receiving a second yellow card for dissent, kicking the ball away and delaying the restart, forcing referee Trinity Dirwai to send him off in the 49th minute.
GreenFuel dominated much of the first half but could not convert their chances, with Brian Chikwenya coming closest after a sharp set-piece move involving Collins Dhuwa.
However, Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni, who had a fine outing, denied him with a smart block.
After Agyemang’s dismissal, Dynamos battled to stay afloat. Coach Lloyd Chigowe reacted by sacrificing Elton Chikona for Shadreck Nyahwa to bolster the midfield. Ironically, Nyahwa then missed Dynamos’ best chance of the game in the 78th minute when he ballooned a clear opportunity over the bar.
Dynamos resorted to time-wasting tactics in a desperate bid to cling onto a point, with goalkeeper Makoni regularly calling for medical attention in a stop-start second half that infuriated the home crowd.
The result leaves Dynamos dangerously placed, joining CAPS United, Kwekwe United, and Triangle in the relegation mud after another uninspiring performance.
Assistant coach Mark Mathe admitted it was a hard-earned point but remains under no illusions about the pressure mounting.
“We knew it was going to be a difficult game. GreenFuel have never lost here at home, and we prepared well,” said Mathe.
“We had better chances to score a goal or two in the first half, and even in the second half we got the best chance through Nyahwa, but unfortunately he skied it. After the red card, we suffered because they had the numerical advantage, but we’ll take the point.”
GreenFuel coach Tawurayi Mangwiro, meanwhile, lamented another missed opportunity to collect maximum points at home.
“We needed to bounce back after losing to Herentals. We started well and were unlucky not to surge ahead in the first half,” said Mangwiro.
“After the red card, they doubled their defensive efforts, and when we broke through, their goalkeeper was there to save them. It’s a share of the spoils, we kept our home record intact, but I’m disappointed we are not making up ground.”
Teams:
GreenFuel: Ashley Rayners, Robert Kwaramba, Honest Moyo, Steven Chatikobo (Kibra Mhlanga min), Brian Chikwenya (Chris Ngwende 55min), Emmanuel Chikwende, Garikai Dematsika, Malon Mushonga, Simbarashe Manyoni (Ronald Chitiyo 55min), Denzel Mapuwa (Perfect Chikwende 55min), Collins Dhuwa (Clive Rupiya 80min)
Dynamos: Tatenda Makoni, Emmanuel Jalai, Abel Gwatidzo, Gumisai Mandivei, Tendaishe Magwaza, Raymond Uchena, Tatenda Chikona (Shadreck Nyahwa 51min), Tellmore Pio (Ross Ngwenya 87min), Nomore Chinyerere, Frank Agyemang, Ransom Chingwara (Blessing Dziwo 80min)
