Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda Zimpapers Sports Hub
MOSES Demera came back to haunt his former club as Dynamos handed Ngezi Platinum Stars their first defeat of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season yesterday.
The veteran striker climbed off the bench to score the winner in a deserved 2-1 victory that ended Madamburo’s 14-match unbeaten run and tightened the race at the top after leaders Hardrock were also held to a goalless draw by MWOS in Norton.
For a Ngezi side that had refused to lose all season, it was a painful afternoon. For Dynamos, it was another reminder that they remain firmly in the hunt as the championship battle begins to gather pace.
The goal carried extra meaning for Demera.
The veteran striker, introduced with the score locked at 1-1, tapped home from close range after fellow substitute Telmore Pio supplied a dangerous delivery from the right.
Afterwards, Demera revealed the winner was dedicated to his six-year-old son Frank, who celebrated his birthday yesterday.
“I want to praise God for this goal and I also want to dedicate it to my son Frank,” said Demera.
“It was bittersweet because Ngezi Platinum Stars are my former employers.
“But Dynamos is a big team that needs results all the time and I am happy to have scored the winner.
“The coach told me to change the game and score a goal for him.”
Ngezi had taken the lead as early as the sixth minute when Praise Machengete rose highest to power home a corner delivered by Qadr Amini.
The visitors looked comfortable in the opening exchanges but Dynamos gradually settled into the contest and were rewarded before the half-hour mark.
It was a goal crafted through patience and movement.
Frank Agyemang, Leeroy Mavhunga and Wisdom Mutasa combined neatly before Mutasa squared for Abel Gwatidzo, who finished from close range to level matters in the 29th minute.
The equaliser shifted momentum.
Dynamos began asking more questions and Genesis Mangombe’s substitutions eventually proved decisive.
With 20 minutes remaining, Pio burst down the right and delivered a teasing cross that Demera converted from close range to silence the home crowd.
It was a goal that not only secured three points for Dynamos but also ended one of the league’s most impressive unbeaten runs.
Elsewhere, leaders HardRock missed an opportunity to tighten their grip on top spot after being held to a goalless draw by MWOS at Ngoni Stadium in Norton. Both sides created chances in an entertaining contest, with Arthur Banda wasting two good opportunities for the hosts while goalkeeper Baye produced a string of important saves to frustrate the visitors.
Despite suffering their first defeat of the campaign, Ngezi coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva refused to be overly critical of his players.
“We just have to manage how we progress from here, but the performance was great,” he said.
Mangombe was equally pleased, particularly with the character shown by his side after falling behind early.
“We keep pushing,” he said.
The Dynamos coach also paid tribute to the supporters who were solidly behind the team.
“The fans deserve this win. We owe them because they are always supporting us.”
The result could yet prove significant in the championship race.
With both Ngezi and HardRock dropping points, Dynamos moved to 24 points and edged closer to the leading pack ahead of today’s blockbuster showdown between CAPS United and defending champions Scottland at the National Sports Stadium.Today:
derick.khumalo