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Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
Dynamos 0-0 Hwange
WHEN it mattered the most to keep the momentum going, Dynamos coach Herbert “Jampano” Maruwa and his players could only scratch their heads in disbelief at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
Just when DeMbare supporters had started to believe that the good times were finally rolling in after a 5-1 rout of Yadah Stars at the same venue last weekend, the football gods had other ideas.
Hwange held on for dear life in the late stages of the game with DeMbare pressing high up in the pitch in search of a goal that would have made the long journey to Harare a much more comfortable one. But that was not to be.
A draw may be considered a fair result for any coach but with the amount of pressure Maruwa is under, it’s not a result that will release the pressure off his shoulders.
“It was a tough match. They stayed back hoping to get us on the counter. They got their chances and we got ours but we both failed. However, we could have won the game. It’s not that we are not consistent, we are competition. We are not in an easy stage. Some teams are fighting relegation and others are vying for the championship and we are in the top four,” said Maruwa.
He added: “We need to continue picking up points. Even the log leaders (Highlanders) dropped points. So, it’s game on.”
DeMbare, who have in their last seven games posted four wins, two draws and lost once took their points tally to 29 points, nine behind their old-time nemesis Bosso.
Chipangano head coach Nation Dube who has watched his charges go for a four-game winless streak, reckoned it was a valuable point gained on the road.
“It’s a valuable point for us considering we were playing opponents who were coming from a massive 5-1 victory. It’s a point that we think will help us. It’s a tough league but we are happy about how our boys played,” said Dube giving praise to their veteran player and team captain Cannan Nkomo.
The speedy Nkomo was named Zimbabwe Television Network (ZTN) Man of the Match courtesy of his breathtaking show in the middle of the park for the coal miners. The match did not live up to its billing as the two sides starved fans of exciting action in the first 15 minutes of the match.
On the 19th minute mark, with the DeMbare rearguard in sixes and sevens, Hwange’s Kluivert Tshuma poked his effort over the bar.
Three minutes later, Shadreck Nyahwa thought he had made it count for his club after he tapped in a fine Tanaka Shandirwa cross but he was adjudged to be offside.
After 30 minutes of play, Tendai Manditife missed a glorious chance in a one-on-one situation as he sent his left footed effort to the birds with DeMbare fans already up to celebrate a goal.
This was after Manditife, DeMbare captain Emmanuel Jalai and Finland bound Elton Chikona had enjoyed some good combination play.
With Manditife struggling to find his rhythm, he was pulled out for Keith Madera in the 47th minute.
Six minutes later Chipangano felt hard done after their penalty appeal was turned down by referee Philani Ncube.
In the 54th minute, Hwange were forced to make an injury inspired substitution pulling out Tshuma for new signing Hamilton Gomba.
On the hour mark The Glamour Boys started bossing around their opponents, playing a brilliant passing game with only to be let down by their final third.
As the teams battled, coaches tried to pull in the trick by making double substitutions. In the 65th minute Dynamos’ Arthur Musiiwa came in for Emmanuel Ziocha and impressive Issa Sadiki was introduced for inactive Jayden Bakare.
Hwange followed suit, as they also made a double change. James Chivasa came in for Tendai Muvuti. Solomon Sithole was ushered in for Kelly Shiyandidi. — @FungiMuderere.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter