Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango and Veronica Gwaze
DYNAMOS strengthened their growing title credentials while MWOS suffered another frustrating setback as the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League entered its halfway stretch with crucial results across the country yesterday.
At Rufaro, Dynamos produced one of their most polished displays of the season to dispatch TelOne 3-0 and move to 29 points, keeping themselves firmly within touching distance of the leading pack ahead of next weekend’s block-buster showdown against Highlanders.
The Glamour Boys wasted little time asserting themselves.
Shadreck Nyahwa headed home Leeroy Mavhunga’s corner after just eight minutes before Frank Agyemang doubled the advantage seven minutes before halftime with his eighth goal of the campaign.
TelOne improved after the break but failed to find a way past Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni, who had re-placed the injured Finia Nfor in the opening half.
Mavhunga capped an impressive afternoon when he completed a swift counterattack deep into stoppage time to seal a convincing victory and complete a league double over the WiFi Boys.
Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe praised his side’s preparation and defensive discipline.
“We did our homework very well. We worked particularly on our defence so that we don’t concede. There were very few mistakes and no breakdowns,” said Mangombe.
TelOne coach Saul Chaminuka lamented the soft goals his side conceded.
“We gave away soft goals. We were 2-0 down in the first half and after that we had our chances but failed to convert them,” he said.
While Dynamos were celebrating, there was growing frustration for MWOS at Ngoni Stadium.
Lloyd Mutasa’s men were held to a goalless draw by struggling newcomers Hunters in a result that further fuels ques-tions about their ability to sustain a title challenge.
Hunters were arguably the better side for long periods and created several clear opportunities through Michael Ta-pera, Elder Chirima and King Nadolo.
MWOS thought they had found a late winner when Arthur Banda bundled the ball into the net in the 79th minute, on-ly for referee Tafadzwa Zhou to rule the effort out for handball.
The hosts pushed desperately in the closing stages but were unable to find a breakthrough as Hunters left with a de-served point.
Hunters coach Nesbert Saruchera was encouraged by his team’s progress despite their continued struggles in front of goal.
“Our boys are still young and top-flight confidence is still low. They are learning and we have to be patient while making sure that we survive relegation,” he said.
At Barbourfields Stadium, Chicken Inn’s difficult season continued after they were held to a goalless draw by Herentals.
The GameCocks defended resolutely with captain Itai Mabhunu leading a disciplined backline, while league top scorer Ralph Kawondera came closest for the visitors when his 75th-minute header drifted off target.
At Mandava Stadium, Ngezi Platinum Stars delivered a major statement in the Platinum Derby with a 2-0 victory over FC Platinum.
Macdonald Eddisone opened the scoring in the 39th minute with his first goal of the season before Polite Moyo dou-bled the advantage after the break, finishing off a move created by Marvelous Mukumba, who provided both assists.
The result keeps Ngezi firmly in the title hunt as the race tightens in this second half of the second half of the season.
In Shamva, Simba Bhora returned to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Manica Diamonds at Wadzanayi Stadium.
Harison Masina opened the scoring before Namibian forward McCartney Nawaseb added a second from an Ishmael Nyanhi cross.
Lawrence Chaziya completed the scoring in the second half with his first goal in Simba Bhora colours.
