Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Dynamos 1-0 Manica Diamonds
DYNAMOS technical director Aristica Cioaba says the Harare giants remain focused on securing a top-four finish after edging already relegated Manica Diamonds in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Rufaro yesterday.
Cioaba praised his charges after exciting winger Leeroy Mavunga grabbed the solitary goal of the match with a well-taken shot soon after the restart.
Manica Diamonds, who missed two of their key players Ask Rupande and Lawrence Masibhera, had no answers to the setback, which marked their 20th defeat of a disappointing season.
The Gem Boys, under the tutelage of former Dynamos coach Herbert Maruwa, however did not go down without a fight although playing for nothing but to salvage some form of pride after the team was confirmed relegated with some games to spare.
But for Dynamos, the win was another step for Cioaba towards achieving his target for a top four finish, which is now a contest between DeMbare and their old rivals CAPS United.
The Glamour Boys supporters also appeared to enjoy the win, which propelled their team back in the top four with 55 points after they had been dislodged overnight by Makepekepe, who had taken their tally to 54 points the previous day following a 1-0 away win to ZPC Kariba.
“You know, it’s clear now, two teams are fighting for the number four, that is CAPS United and Dynamos. Our team needs confidence, our team needs focus and trust,” said Cioaba, who indicated they now need to finish on a high ahead of the final match of the season against newboys FC Hunters.
“It’s possible to win the last game, but it’s not easy. We play a good opponent, FC Hunters. It’s a good team but we need to continue to be serious with the job going into the last game and try to win the game and finish according to our plan,” said Cioaba.
The DeMbare coach yesterday made a few changes to his team, starting Nathan Mutasa and Witness Shave, and also later on giving a debut senior cap to Raymond Kundasi.
Chances were few and far between in the opening half with DeMbare forward Ben Sidibe dragging his effort wide after he was set up by Man of the match Mavunga with 25 minutes played.
At the other end, goalkeeper Iddrissou Nfor produced a spectacular one-handed save to deny Liberty Manzunzu, whose close-range header from a Nigel Mpinduki free-kick looked destined for the back of the net.
The contest remained evenly balanced after the break as both teams battled to adapt to a pitch made difficult by heavy rains shortly before kick-off.
However, the decisive moment arrived in the 49th minute when Mavunga fired home from inside the box after Manica Diamonds failed to clear their lines following a dazzling run by Nathan Mutasa.
Mutasa also impressed throughout the match and was among the contenders for the man-of-the-match award, which eventually went to Mavunga along with the US$200 prize.
Substitute Culum English-Brown almost made an immediate impact late in the game, attempting an audacious bicycle kick from a brilliant cross by Wisdom Mutasa, but goalkeeper Biggie Temere reacted well to keep the effort out.
Despite the defeat, Manica Diamonds coach Maruwa refused to keep his head down.
“We lost but I’m happy with the youngsters. They did very well. They managed to express themselves. It’s not easy; imagine bringing 13 infield players with only two subs, but they did very well. You can see the average age of the boys we played. It’s very encouraging,” said Maruwa.
