Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 2
FC Hunters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 2
FOR the second successive Castle Lager Premier Soccer League game inside a week, Dynamos’ undoing from set pieces haunted them as they were forced to settle for a draw in an otherwise entertaining affair.
DeMbare were at Sakubva last Sunday and battled a 2-2 draw against Manica Diamonds.
It was a similar tale at their favourite hunting ground — Rufaro — yesterday when Dynamos seemed on course for a victory over the Premiership newboys after Ghanaian forward and double scorer Frank Agyemang had thrust them into the lead.
Instead, Genesis Mangombe’s men were eventually forced to fight their way from behind to scramble a point after Hunters had turned the game on its head in a 13-minute blitz that was, however, short-lived.
Yesterday’s assignment brought the curtain down to a first half of the season in which Mangombe’s men have blown hot and cold.
Tadiwanashe Huni and substitute King Nadolo netted for Hunters in a match that could have eventually gone either way.
The debutants started stronger and dominated the opening 15 minutes.
Michael Tapera, on loan from Scottland, delivered a well-placed cross that found Elder Chirima, but his header missed the target.
Dynamos’ first real chance came in the 24th minute when Anotidaishe Gwatidzo linked up with Leeroy Mavunga, who fed Agyemang.
The West African striker cut in from the left and fired from distance, forcing Moreblessing Phiri into a save.
Veteran Ronald Pfumbidzai went close for Hunters in the 38th minute with a curling corner that Tatenda Makoni punched clear.
The sides went into half-time level, with neither side being able to get a breakthrough.
Dynamos, however, broke the deadlock six minutes after the restart when Agyemang beat Praise Tonha and slotted past Phiri from inside the box.
Hunters responded immediately, winning a free-kick on the edge of the area after Collin Mujuru was penalised for a handball.
Huni stepped up in the 62nd minute and beat Makoni with a rising shot.
Chirima tested Makoni again in the 75th minute, and Nadolo then reacted quickest to slot home the rebound for Hunters’ second.
In a see-saw moment, Dynamos hit back two minutes later when substitute Jairos Kasondo crossed for Agyemang to head home his second and take his tally to seven goals, two behind league top scorer Ralph Kawondera.
Mangombe blamed fatigue and defensive lapses.
“I think fatigue crept in because we were just coming from a weekend game and never got enough time to rest,” he said.
“We need to do better in our defence, we have not been doing well for a number of games, conceding from set pieces, and it is something we have to work on.”
Hunters coach Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera was pleased with the point, as his side floats just above the relegation zone.
“I think we played well and fought hard to earn a point. At this stage, we still aim for survival and think that it is still within range,” he said.
Elsewhere leaders Hardrock were restricted to a goalless draw by FC Platinum at Mandava, while ZPC Kariba and Herentals were also deadlocked 0-0.
