DeMbare into second spot

Eddie Chikamhi

DYNAMOS defeated Chicken Inn 2-1 in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match yesterday, moving into second place in the standings.

Elton Chikona came off the bench to score the winning goal in the 86th minute, after Shadreck Nyahwa had equalised for the home side just before half time.

With Ngezi Platinum Stars beyond reach, the only battle of interest at the top is for second position and Dynamos will be battling with Manica Diamonds and outgoing champions FC Platinum probably up to the final weekend.

Dynamos had been dealt a huge blow in the second minute when lanky forward Marlvin Whata stole the lead for Chicken Inn.

Nyahwa gave DeMbare the lifeline in the added time of the first half with a header from a corner kick, before the two second half substitutes, Chikona and Eli Ilunga combined to give the hosts a flourishing finish. Dynamos assistant coach Lloyd “Mablanyo” Chigowe was impressed by his team’s performance.

“The match was highly tactical. For some moments in the game, I think Chicken Inn put us under the coach, but we introduced fresh blood in the form of young Elton Chikona and Eli Ilunga.

“We knew that with the way the Chicken Inn defence was marking, they would give him space to shoot, and you saw the stinger that came from Ilunga. Once we were at par, I knew we would be able to get the decisive goal to give us the three points,” said Chigowe.

“We had started off clumsily; our boys were probably still at the hotel (in the first half). But at least they showed character and came back to grab all the points.

“I think that it augurs well for us going forward and also for our objective of coming second. If you cannot be first, then at least be second.

Chicken Inn remained seventh on the log standings with 45 points, and coach Prince Matore criticised the team’s transition play.

“The main problem was on our transition. In the first half there were times when we collected the ball and we were supposed to be going forward faster, but we delayed the transition.

“We were playing square balls instead of going forward. That was a bit of a let down because if the transition was perfect, it was going to be okay for us,” said Matore.