admin
Augustine Hwata Harare Bureau
Dynamos ………………………………………………….. (0) 1
Shabanie Mine …………………………………………… (0) 1
DYNAMOS coach Callisto Pasuwa was yesterday left disappointed over the two points dropped rather than the one point earned by the champions as they surrendered the top spot in the Castle Lager Premiership race at Rufaro Stadium. However, he said the Harare giants would not be giving up the title defence until the last match of the season.
It’s two league games before the end of the season and Dynamos are now in second place as they trail Highlanders who shot to the top after a deserved win over Triangle at Barbourfields Stadium.
But away from Highlanders’ log topping win at Barbourfields, the Harare giants Dynamos are on 50 points, tied with Harare City, while Bosso are now in control with a one point advantage ahead of the penultimate round this weekend.
A victory for Dynamos over Shabanie Mine yesterday at Rufaro could have seen them consolidating their lead but they puffed and choked when it mattered most although Pasuwa still believes that there is still a decent chance.
Substitute Tichaona Mabvura gave Dynamos the lead when he finished off a beautiful attack that was initiated by midfielder Cliff Sekete and also involved Washington Pakamisa.
Midfielder Sekete won the ball near the centreline before charging into the Shabanie Mine half where he carved open their defence with a pass to Pakamisa as he raced into space for a return pass.
Mabvura, who had came in the 29th minute for the injured Russell Madamombe, made an intelligent run on the left side of the box where he finished off the brilliant move by beating Shabanie Mine goalkeeper Victor Twaliki.
The goal seemed to give Dynamos the impetus as their fans suddenly became alive but Shabanie, who were lethargic, evened the scores when Fungai Chirinda beat goalkeeper George Chigova after some good play from Pervington Zimunya on the right.
Dynamos tried to restore their lead but the body language of their players who took turns to miss told a story of a team that was bound to lose the championship while Pasuwa was fretting on the touchline.
On Sunday, Dynamos face a cagey assignment against Chicken Inn in Bulawayo and need to win at all costs while hoping that Harare City and Highlanders will cancel out each other when they meet at Rufaro.
A draw or a defeat for Dynamos against the Gamecocks could further complicate their title defence while a victory for Bosso will keep their hopes bright ahead of their last match against Shabanie in Bulawayo when Harare City play Caps United.
For now the league fight is a three-horse race between the new pacesetters Highlanders, Dynamos and Harare City while FC Platinum still have a mathematical chance.
Dynamos have already lost their hold on the Mbada Diamonds Cup and Pasuwa said they should not bury their head in the sand but remain focused on the last two games.
“It’s becoming difficult for us to play at home now. We missed many chances in this game and I have been talking to the guys about these last games. These are games of chances and we need to convert.
“If you miss a chance, you could be punished,” said Pasuwa.
The Dynamos coach said the absence of inspirational players like Tawanda Muparati who is injured, Murape Mupare (suspension), Patson Jaure (suspension) saw his side wobbling.
While Pasuwa’s championship hopes were derailed by the draw, Shabanie Mine coach Luke Masomere was pleased to pick up a point and is now aiming for a top eight finish at the end of the season.
Shabanie could count themselves lucky to escape from Rufaro with a point when their poor and lifeless performance did not even warrant half a point as they were aided by an equally pathetic Dynamos.
“I think we played well and according to our game plan. We knew that Dynamos are a very good side and have quality players who could trouble us if given room to play.
“What I really want to achieve is a top eight finish and we have collected a point and should be going up. Now we aim to collect three points against Triangle at home although they are good side.
“We should play another good game against Highlanders in Bulawayo,” he said.
Teams
Dynamos: G Chigova , T Magorimbo, P Pakamisa, A Mbara, C Sekete (S Linyama 77th minute) B Zirintusa (81st minute), G Bello, O Mushure, S Sithole, S Alimenda, R Madamombe (T Mabvura 29th minute)
Shabanie: V Twaliki,T Mombeshora, C Masocha (F Chirinda 64th minute) R Mware, P Zimunya, V Ndaba (S Ndlovu 64th minute), F Bushiri, T Rukanda, S Muchabaiwa, P Sithole, B M Mbavarira
Online Reporter