marble nkomo
Fungai Muderere
Bulawayo Chiefs 0 Dynamos 2
DYNAMOS underlined their early-season intent with a controlled 2-0 win over Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields yesterday, stretching their unbeaten run and showing a side beginning to take shape.
Two second-half strikes from substitutes Jairos Kasondo and Frank Agyemang settled it, but the scoreline only told part of the story. Dynamos had been in charge long before the goals arrived.
Coach Genesis Mangombe got the response he wanted from his players, especially in the way they imposed themselves from the first whistle.
“We responded very well to exactly what we wanted. That was our game plan,” said Mangombe.
“We knew they were coming from a win and we had to press them high. We created several chances in the first half and I’m happy with that.”
After a dominant opening period that lacked only a finish, Dynamos finally broke through in the 79th minute when Kasondo finished off a well-worked move. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but referee Nelson Meki overturned his assistant’s flag after a brief consultation.
Agyemang then wrapped it up in stoppage time, finishing calmly to seal maximum points on the road.
“It’s a great victory for us. I’m grateful to the boys who came from the bench and made the difference. Everyone has to be ready,” Mangombe said.
For Bulawayo Chiefs, it was a long afternoon. Coach John Nyikadzino did not hide from it.
“It was a bad day for us. Dynamos dominated from the first half. They had a good plan and they wanted it more,” he said.
“As a coach, I take full responsibility.”
Dynamos set the tone early, forcing Chiefs onto the back foot and creating chances that kept the home side stretched.
Inside five minutes, Moses Demera was booked after a heavy collision with goalkeeper Matripples Muleya, who was forced off shortly after and replaced by Sydney Mozeka.
The change did little to ease the pressure. Christopher Netty was lively on the right, repeatedly troubling the Chiefs defence, while Perfect Chikwende came close midway through the half with a low effort that Mozeka pushed away.
From there, it was wave after wave. Corners piled up, shots came in, and Chiefs were left scrambling. At times they looked disjointed at the back, struggling to deal with Dynamos’ movement and urgency.
Chiefs’ best moment came in the 24th minute when Brian Muza broke forward and picked out Zibusiso Dambo, but the finish did not trouble the goalkeeper.
Dynamos thought they had taken the lead just before the break when Shadreck Nyahwa struck from range, with many in the stadium convinced the ball had crossed the line before Mozeka clawed it away. Play continued.
The second half followed a familiar pattern. Dynamos controlled the tempo, kept Chiefs pinned back and waited for the opening that eventually came through Kasondo.
Once ahead, they never looked like letting it slip.
For a side that has struggled for consistency in recent seasons, this was a performance built on structure, discipline and belief. Three matches in, they remain unbeaten and are beginning to look like a team with direction.
Teams
Bulawayo Chiefs: Matripples Muleya (Sydney Mozeka 9’), Blessing Kugudu, Denzel Mapuwa (Anesu Saiti 46’), Melikhaya Ncube, Brian Muza (Farau Matare 73’), Arthur Musiyiwa (Claivert Tshuma 73’), Malvin Mkolo, Panashe Shoko, Zibusiso Dambo, Jameson Masaza, Clive Rupiya (Nkosilathi Ncube 66’)
Dynamos: Iddrissou Finis, Christopher Netty, Anotidaishe Gwatizo, Gumisai Mandivei, Collin Mujuru, Tellmore Pio, Perfect Chikwende (Frank Agyemang 57’), Shadreck Nyahwa (Mandlenkosi Milo 73’), Stanley Billiat (Enasio Perezo 57’), Moses Demera (Jairos Kasondo 46’), Leeroy Mavunga (Witness Shave 73’)
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter