Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub, Dynamos1-1 FC Platinum
DYNAMOS had it in their hands. Rufaro was full, the moment was theirs, and top spot was within touching distance. They let it slip.
A 1-1 draw against FC Platinum yesterday kept DeMbare unbeaten, but it felt like a missed turn in a race that is starting to tighten at the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
They were second best for long spells too, and that will worry Genesis Mangombe more than the dropped points.
FC Platinum struck first, and deservedly so. Garikayi Dematsika rose unmarked and powered home a header from Eric Manokore’s corner in the first half, exposing a Dynamos defence that never looked fully settled.
That weakness showed again after the break. Dematsika nearly punished them twice, rattling the crossbar just minutes into the second half with Makoni beaten.
Dynamos only found their way back through the spot. Abel Gwatidzo converted from 12 yards in the 52nd minute after a soft penalty handed them a route back into a game they had struggled to control.
Even then, they never quite took charge.
Leeroy Mavhunga had a sight at goal late in the first half but was denied by goalkeeper Manfred Eakoi, and beyond that, clear chances were few. For a team chasing top spot, it was a performance that never really caught fire.
Mangombe didn’t hide behind the result.
“We are happy that we haven’t tasted defeat in the league. But today’s performance? I wasn’t happy,” he said.
“We didn’t play according to the tactical instructions. We failed to contain them in the midfield.”
His changes at the break made a difference. Frank Agyemang and Mandlenkosi Mlilo came on, and Dynamos found more balance through the middle.
“When we corrected that at halftime, we made sure they could no longer play through the middle. That’s how we got our goal.”
Still, the same defensive frailties remain.
Dynamos continue to concede from situations they know are coming. The near-post vulnerability from set pieces cost them again, and Mangombe knows it.
“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, not just in structure, but in voice.
“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, this was a point earned with discipline, even if it could have been more.
“Full credit to my players. I think they gave everything. We knew coming here wouldn’t be easy, especially with Dynamos full of confidence,” said coach Joel Luphaphla.
“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 knows the bigger picture too.
“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 move to 15 points, still within reach of the summit, but this was a chance to take control. Instead, they remain in the pack.
