Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
DYNAMOS let a big chance slip through their fingers at Rufaro yesterday, held to a 1-1 draw by FC Platinum when victory would have taken them to the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table.
With CAPS United and Hardrock setting the pace, the Glamour Boys needed all three points to go clear. Instead, they were forced to settle for a share of the spoils, stretching their unbeaten run but leaving the door open in the title race.
FC Platinum struck first, Garikayi Dematsika rising to head home from an Eric Manokore corner in the first half, silencing the home crowd.
Dynamos needed a response and found it after the break, Abel Gwatidzo converting from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute to restore parity after sustained pressure.
But that was as far as they could go.
Despite pushing for a winner, Dynamos lacked the cutting edge when it mattered most, and FC Platinum held firm to frustrate the hosts and deny them top spot.
The result keeps Dynamos unbeaten this season, but it will feel like two points dropped in a game they had targeted to take control of the race.
Chances came and went.
Leeroy Mavhunga saw his effort from the edge of the box kept out by goalkeeper Manfred Eakoi in the 37th minute, while Dematsika nearly doubled his tally moments into the second half, his effort crashing off the crossbar with Tatenda Makoni beaten.
Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe did not hide his frustration, even as he acknowledged the importance of staying unbeaten.
“We are happy that we haven’t tasted defeat in the league. But today’s performance? I wasn’t happy,” said Mangombe.
“We didn’t play according to the tactical instructions. We failed to contain them in the midfield.”
Mangombe pointed to the halftime changes as key in salvaging the point, introducing Frank Agyemang and Mandlenkosi Mlilo for Trevor Mavunga and Witness Shave.
“When we corrected that at halftime, we made sure they could no longer play through the middle. That’s how we got our goal.”
There were familiar concerns at the back.
Dynamos again conceded from a set piece, an issue Mangombe admitted continues to trouble his side despite work on the training ground.
“I was not pleased with our defending on corner kicks. We knew they would attack the near post, and we still conceded from the near post. If it’s a bad day at the office, you concede goals of that calibre.”
“Now, there’s a problem. So I am happy we have a break. We’re going to correct our mistakes, polish things up, so that when we return, we are fresh and ready to go.”
The absence of captain Shadreck Nyahwa was also felt, particularly in terms of leadership.
“You can feel his absence because he is used to playing. But most of our players didn’t perform to expectation. Even if he was there, he might have struggled too. What we really missed was his leadership.
“But I am happy with how we responded and got a point in this difficult match.”
For FC Platinum, it was a point earned the hard way, even if their wait for an away win continues.
Coach Joel Luphaphla praised his players’ effort but admitted they need more composure in key moments.
“Full credit to my players. I think they gave everything. We knew coming here wouldn’t be easy, especially with Dynamos full of confidence.
“But we had a plan, and I am sure you could see our preparation was good. However, we need to learn to be calm, the players especially. That penalty was unnecessary. It was soft, but unnecessary, because the player was facing away from the goal. If we are calm, we can avoid that.”
He added: “We said at the start of the second half, let’s possess and play football. But sometimes players make mistakes, and we made one.
“Still, overall, the boys did well. We are still trying to win away. The good thing is we are going home. We have a massive game to get three points, then we will try again away. If you can’t win away, you are not championship material.”
Dynamos remain firmly in the mix on 15 points, just behind CAPS United and Hardrock, but this was a moment they will feel they should have taken.
For FC Platinum, now seventh on 10 points, the search for consistency on the road goes on.
Teams
Dynamos:
Tatenda Makoni, Christopher Nettey (Tendaishe Magwaza 34), Abel Gwatidzo, Hastings Chapusha, Collin Mujuru, Tellmore Pio, Perfect Chikwende (Stanley Billiat 75), Trevor Mavunga (Mandlenkosi Mlilo 45), Witness Shave (Frank Agyemang 45), Jairos Kasondo, Leeroy Mavhunga (Enasio Perezo 75)
Subs:
Harmony Nare, Moses Demera, Elton Njini, Anotidaishe Gwatidzo, Gumisai Mandivei, Wisdom Mutas
FC Platinum:
Manfred Eakoi, Mbongeli Ndlovu, Nickson Nyasulu, Maxwell Paipi, Trevor Bhunu, Thubelihle Jubane (Wilfred Muvirimi 83), David T Mangesi, Garikayi Dematsika, Hagaziyo Magaya (Eric Manokore 31), Tadiwa Muchenje (Emmanuel Dogbey 68), Abraham Tjahikika (Oscar Bhebhe 83)
Subs:
Raphael Pitisi, Takunda Vereta, Takunda Manyuchi, Dylan Nchito, Mckninon Mushore, Brian Karipi
