Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Simba Bhora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
DYNAMOS have charmed with their new football philosophy in recent days, but yesterday the Glamour Boys turned up pale and were fortunate to escape with a point following a goalless home draw against Simba Bhora at Rufaro yesterday.
Having impressed with a more energetic and aggressive approach in recent weeks, DeMbare struggled to impose themselves against a well-drilled Simba Bhora outfit that denied them space and time on the ball in front of a passionate home crowd.
In fact, the visitors looked the more threatening side for some periods and could easily have walked away with all three points had they been more clinical in front of goal.
Dynamos technical director Aristica Cioaba conceded after the match that his side still has work to do as they prepare for a difficult date against FC Platinum at Mandava during the mid-week.
“I also saw some positive points in our team; the fighting spirit from the first minute to 90 minutes. The guys did not want to lose the match. Seriously, I apologise to the supporters; very nice support I have in the background, and I like the spirit of these supporters,” said Cioaba.
“So, I am coming here to apologise for today’s result, but I promise that in the future our team will be stronger and we need to stay together.
“In football, sometimes you win, sometimes you draw, and sometimes you lose. The supporters need to understand the situation and continue to stay with us. And if you stay with us, our team becomes better and stronger in the future,” said Cioaba.
A victory would have significantly boosted Dynamos’ title ambitions after both league leaders Scottland and second-placed Hardrock suffered defeats yesterday.
Instead, the Harare giants remained third on the table with 41 points, eight behind leaders Scottland and one adrift of Hardrock.
Simba Bhora deserved credit for a disciplined and organised performance. Their towering central defensive pairing of Lawrence Chaziya and Eib Kennedy stood firm throughout the contest, comfortably dealing with Dynamos’ aerial attacks and limiting the hosts to very few clear-cut opportunities.
Dynamos handed a debut to new Burkinabe signing Daouda Sidibe, but the striker found little joy against the visitors’ compact defence and was eventually withdrawn in the second half. Another mid-season acquisition, Nathan Mutasa, remained on the bench.
The hosts’ biggest appeal came in the 14th minute when Sidibe went down following a collision with goalkeeper William Thole inside the box, but referee Tichaona Mbire waved play on.
Leroy Mavunga produced Dynamos’ best effort of the second half when he beat his marker and unleashed a powerful drive that Thole tipped away for a corner.
While Dynamos struggled to create meaningful chances, Simba Bhora carved out several promising opportunities.
Harrison Masina, Blessed Ndereki, and substitute Junior Petreus all failed to capitalise on openings that could have secured maximum points for the visitors.
Their best chance arrived in stoppage time when Masina delivered a dangerous cut-back into the box, but Petreus failed to connect as the Dynamos’ defence scrambled back to recover.
Simba Bhora coach Mandla Mpofu felt his side had done enough to win the match.
“On one hand, it is a point gained, but on the other hand, I think we dropped two points,” said Mpofu.
“We came into this game knowing the challenges we would face against Dynamos.
“In the past two games, the new coaches have transformed this team. They are better structurally, they keep possession well, and they play with speed. It’s a more complete team now.
“But overall, I think we did well. We managed to contain the pressure and created opportunities of our own.”
Teams:
Dynamos: Tatenda Makoni, Abel Gwatidzo, Clive Mandivei, Christopher Nettey, Isaac Landu, Shadreck Nyahwa, Wisdom Mtasa (Perfect Chikwende, 56th min), Tellmore Pio (Elton Njini, 95th min), Leroy Mavunga, Daouda Sidibe (Moses Demera, 66th min), Frank Agyemang.
Simba Bhora: William Thole, Webster Tafa, Lawrence Chaziya, Eib Kenedy, Ishmael Nyanhi, Nomore Tsabora (Farai Banda, 75th min), McCartney Naweseb (Patreus Simaneka, 63rd min), Blessed Ndereki (Ronald Chitiyo, 83rd min), Butholezwe Ncube, Harison Masina, Adrian Silla (Tichaona Chipunza, 83rd min)
