Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Genesis Mangombe suffered his first defeat in charge of Dynamos this season and admitted it was not their day as they made silly mistakes.
The 2-1 defeat to Chicken Inn at Barbourfields was also the first for Dynamos since last year when Kelvin Kaindu also led the Glamour Boys on an unbeaten run that helped them survive relegation.
Dynamos’ last league loss came in July 2025 and once again, it was Chicken Inn who delivered it.
The Gamecocks have now ended DeMbare’s unbeaten league run in back-to-back seasons, reinforcing their growing hold over this fixture. Ralph Katinji scored a double for the Gamecocks while Moses Demera registered his first goal for DeMbare.
Mangombe said his side were punished for slow build-up play and avoidable errors.
“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 created avoidable mistakes in our own half, and we conceded from those,” he said.
“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.”
Both teams entered the match under pressure. Chicken Inn were desperate to bounce back after two consecutive league defeats, while Dynamos were looking to end a three-match win-less run that had seen them settle for three straight draws.
However, it was the visitors who ultimately left empty-handed.
Chicken Inn made a strong start and took the lead in the 11th minute when Katinji reacted quickest inside a crowded penalty area to slot home from close range after a goalmouth scramble .
Dynamos responded in the 19th minute when Shadreck Nyahwa attempted an acrobatic bicycle kick from Abel Gwatidzo’s cross, but the effort went wide.
The visitors continued to press and missed another chance in the 24th minute when Perfect Chikwende fired over after being set up by Tellmore Pio.
Their persistence paid off in the 34th minute when Christopher Netty’s long throw caused confusion in the Chicken Inn defence, allowing Moses Demera to slot home from close range and level the match at 1-1.
But parity lasted only five minutes.
In the 39th minute, Temptation Chiwunga delivered a teasing free-kick and Katinji rose highest to head home his second goal of the afternoon, restoring Chicken Inn’s lead at 2-1.
At half-time, Chicken Inn led 2-1 in an entertaining first half that saw both sides create chances, but Dynamos were left ruing missed opportunities.
Just after the restart, Dynamos survived a major scare when Collins Mujuru miscued his clearance in the 46th minute and almost turned the ball into his own net.
Moments later, Hapmo fired wide after a neat interchange with Innocent Masiwa.
In the 56th minute, Hapmo again found space following another move involving Masiwa, but his effort drifted off target.
Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni kept his side in the game in the 63rd minute with a brilliant save to deny Brendon Rendo from close range.
Despite late pressure, Dynamos could not find a way back and eventually succumbed to their first league defeat since July 2025.
Chicken Inn coach Tonderayi Ndiraya admitted his team also made mistakes but was satisfied with the response.
“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,” said Ndiraya.
