Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira in BULAWAYO
Chicken Inn………..(2) 2
Dynamos……………(1) 1
DYNAMOS’ ten-month unbeaten league run is OVER.
And, just like last year, Chicken Inn were the ones who ended it.
Rahim Katinji struck twice as the Gamecocks beat DeMbare at Barbourfields yesterday, handing Genesis Mangombe’s men their first Castle Lager Premier Soccer League defeat since July last year.
For Dynamos, this was supposed to be a chance to finally turn draws into maximum points.
Instead, they ran into a familiar problem – Chicken Inn.
Coming in after two straight defeats themselves, the Gamecocks looked sharper early and got their reward in the 11th minute when Katinji reacted quickest in the box after a scramble to put the hosts ahead.
Dynamos tried to settle.
Shadreck Nyahwa came close with an acrobatic effort while Perfect Chikwende also missed as the visitors pushed for a response.
They got it in the 34th minute.
Christopher Netty’s long throw in caused problems in the Chicken Inn box and Moses Demera made it count, slotting home from close range.
But Dynamos could not hold on.
Five minutes later, Temptation Chiwunga floated in a dangerous free-kick and Katinji rose highest to head home his second of the afternoon.
That proved decisive.
Dynamos had moments in the second half, but they never really looked convincing enough.
Collins Mujuru nearly turned the ball into his own net just after the break, Hapmo wasted good openings, and Tatenda Makoni had to keep them in it with a strong save from Brendon Rendo.
Chicken Inn held firm.
Dynamos pushed late, but the equaliser never came.
For the second season running, Chicken Inn have now handed DeMbare their league reality check.
Mangombe admitted his side made it difficult for themselves.
“It was a difficult game but in the first half we started on a bad note, we were slow in our build-up and we invited our opponents into our own half.
“We made avoidable mistakes in our own half and we conceded from those. We need to improve when we play games like this.
“Overall, there were positives in terms of chances created and equalising, which shows we can also score goals.”
Chicken Inn coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, was relieved to see his side respond.
“It was a difficult week for us and I am glad the players came to the party. It was a very difficult game but we managed to get over the line.
“In the first half we were slow in our build-up and we invited pressure, but we corrected that. Overall, I am happy that we managed to win.”
MATCHDAY 10 RESULTS
Yesterday
Chicken Inn 2-1 Dynamos
Scottland 1-2 Simba Bhora
Triangle 0-2 TelOne
Ngezi Platinum 1-0 Manica Diamonds
Saturday
Agama 0-0 FC Platinum
Caps United 0-1 Bulawayo Chiefs
Hardrock 6-1 FC Hunters
ZPC Kariba 0-0 MWOS
Friday
Herentals 1-1 Highlanders
