Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MWOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 2
DYNAMOS supporters are living their best days in the Premier Soccer League, and the man behind the smiles is Romanian technical director Aristica Cioaba.
Yesterday, they extended their fine run under the new mentor with a 2-0 victory over MWOS at Ngoni. Leroy Mavunga opened the scoring just before half-time, while substitute Moses Demera sealed the win midway through the second half, sparking wild celebrations in the terraces.
It has taken only a few days for the expat coach to strike the chemistry with the usually hard-to-please DeMbare fans following a string of wins and a playing philosophy that is easy on the eyes.
The party mood that began at Rufaro last Sunday, when they routed AGAMA 4-0, was rekindled yesterday at Ngoni.
The victory over MWOS, coming on the back of the 2-1 triumph against Hardrock in the 14-minute encounter (of a previously abandoned match) during the midweek, made yesterday’s win sweeter.
Cioaba was impressed by the application from his players, who seemed to have quickly embraced his style.
“Yes, for us it’s very important. In one week, we have three games, and the players stay focused and concentrated in these three games,” said Cioaba.
“I try to maintain the mental strength of the players and to get what is needed from the players: the mentality to win the game, and not having a mentality of losing.
“I am happy, the players respect our plan and tactics from the first minute to 90 minutes.
“This is very positive. It points to the fact that the players trust our staff, the plans given, and the directions given. From this respect comes the win.”
While Dynamos celebrated, MWOS sank deeper into turmoil. Coach Lloyd Mutasa faced angry calls from fans after a third straight defeat, following losses to Highlanders and Bulawayo Chiefs. They have now gone five matches without a win.
Their troubles began in the 42nd minute when Nettey’s cross deceived goalkeeper Tedious Baye, whose vision was blocked by a cluster of players. MWOS protested, claiming Brandon Mpofu was down injured in the build-up, but the goal stood.
DeMbare gained momentum with the goal and nearly doubled their lead before the break.
Frank Agyemang released Stanley Billiat on the right, and the Malawian responded with a powerful drive that sailed just wide of the target.
Mutasa made two changes soon after the restart, but MWOS’ fortunes could not change.
Instead, they nearly conceded again from a corner kick, but Isaac Landu’s shot was deflected in a crowded box soon after the restart.
Second-half substitute Demera gave Dynamos the insurance goal with his first touch when he nodded home a cross from Frank Agyemang in the 67th minute.
MWOS continued to fight, but the tide was against them.
Perfect Chikwende fluffed a good opportunity to treble DeMbare’s tally when he chipped the ball over the bar after he was sent through with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Then DeMbare had the goal at the back of the nets again, after MWOS defender Aristotle Mayambara guided the ball into his own goal at the back post at the stroke of full-time, but it was chalked off for a prior offside.
Dynamos cemented their place at number three with 40 points, nine behind log leaders Scottland.
MWOS dropped to 10th on 27 points. Their coach, Mutasa, said yesterday’s defeat was avoidable.
“I think we were not in a good way in terms of pushing ourselves to cross the line. If you cannot probe, the enemy will come to you,” said Mutasa.
“I think we started better, and we thought we could match them pound for pound. But once we got there, we conceded that goal, which I thought we could have avoided. We gave them room, gave them respect.
“Even the second goal is something that I think we could have avoided as well. But it’s part and parcel of football. You meet such situations where you need to calm down and work hard as well.”
Teams:
MWOS: Tedious Baye, Brandon Mpofu (Godfrey Manase, 47th min), Innocent Zambezi, Valentine Katsande, Arthur Banda (Dawid Ndeunyama, 57th min), Aristotle Manyamba, McSean Murambiwa, Reginald Chinemo, Clive Kwangwari (Mensah, 57th min), Marceline Mlilo (Principe Magondo, 47th min), Billy Veremu.
Dynamos: Tatenda Makoni, Clive Mandivei, Abel Gwatidzo, Isaac Landu, Christopher Nettey, Shadreck Nyahwa, Tellmore Pio, Leroy Mavunga (Witness Shave, 86th min), Frank Agyemang, Perfect Chikwende (Trevor Mavunga, 86th min), Stanley Billiat (Moses Demera, 65th min).
