Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Dynamos ………….. (3) 4
AGAMA …………………. 0
IT was a dream start FOUR DeMbare’s new coach Aristica Acioba.
Call him what you want, technical director or whatever you want, but he is effectively the coach because he is the man in charge.
Yesterday, the Romanian took charge of the Glamour Boys for the first time and saw his team take a three-goal lead in the first half before they eased the pace after the break.
It took Acioaba just 45 minutes to give Dynamos supporters something they had almost forgotten, belief, as the Romanian’s side raced into a three-goal half-time lead on the way to a comprehensive victory in this Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match.
After weeks of uncertainty on and off the pitch, Dynamos finally looked like a team with direction again.
For months, they had searched for consistency, identity and a connection with their supporters.
Acioaba’s first afternoon in charge did not answer every question but it restored optimism inside Rufaro as DeMbare produced one of their most complete performances of the season.
Isaac Landu, Abel Gwatidzo, with a beauty, and Frank Agyemang, who struck twice, supplied the goals.
The football itself was just as encouraging.
Dynamos were purposeful from the opening whistle, building patiently from the back, pressing aggressively whenever possession was lost and attacking with a conviction that has often been missing this season.
That intent was rewarded in the 27th minute when Landu headed home after Gwatidzo’s inviting delivery from a short free-kick routine.
The breakthrough released the hosts.
Gwatidzo soon doubled the advantage with a superb long-range strike before Agyemang finished off another flowing move to leave AGAMA reeling before the interval.
Three goals in 10 devastating first-half minutes reflected Dynamos’ superiority rather than any collapse from the visitors.
Dynamos continued to dictate the tempo after the break.
Although the intensity dipped after their blistering first half, they remained in complete control and restricted AGAMA to only fleeting moments.
Agyemang wrapped up the afternoon from the penalty spot in the 88th minute after goalkeeper Wilson Brown brought him down in the box.
The striker’s second goal of the afternoon took his league tally to 11 in 21 appearances and strengthened his pursuit of the Golden Boot.
For Acioaba, the scoreline mattered.
The manner of the performance mattered even more.
“I am very happy with the team’s performance, especially in the first half. Everything went according to plan,” he said.
“Our plan was to play with speed, press high and put them under pressure. The goals came because the players executed that well.”
The Romanian acknowledged there was still work to do after his players’ energy levels dipped in the second half.
“I don’t blame them because this is a new philosophy. It will take time for them to adjust. Give them about four weeks and everything will fall into place.
“I am happy we gave the fans something to celebrate and I am sure we will continue to do that.”
As the fans drifted out of Rufaro after the final whistle, the conversations had already begun.
One convincing victory will not define Dynamos’ season.
But Acioaba’s first afternoon in charge gave supporters something they have been craving for months – a reason to believe.
