Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS Utd 0-1 Dynamos
JOY and despair framed a tense Harare Derby at Rufaro yesterday as Dynamos edged CAPS United 1-0 in a result that reshaped the Premier Soccer League relegation fight.
Jairos Kasondo scored the winner in the 54th minute, a glancing header that pulled Dynamos two places up to 15th on the table and left CAPS United staring over the cliff. The sides are now level on 32 points, separated only by a single goal on difference, but the psychological swing felt far greater.
The stadium was electric, a full house of singing and drumming fans from both sides turning the match into a city carnival. By the final whistle, though, it was Dynamos’ blue end of Rufaro that sang loudest, long after the players had left.
“This can only be a miracle,” Dynamos coach Kelvin Kaindu said as he soaked in the victory. “Looking at where we were, and the number of points we have managed to collect, I don’t know. It can only be God. It keeps on building confidence in the team. We were not scoring, but now our scoring rate has improved and we’re keeping clean sheets. With a bit of luck, in the next few games we’ll be talking about something else.”
Kaindu has now gone nine competitive matches without defeat since taking over two months ago. His latest triumph came in a tactical duel with fellow Zambian Ian Bakala, who watched his CAPS United side crumble under the weight of missed chances and the pressure of the drop zone.
The match began at a frantic pace. Makepekepe’s hopes took an early hit when defender Bruce Kangwa limped off in the 23rd minute after a bruising tackle with Dynamos captain Emmanuel Jalai. Moments later, Dynamos goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa tipped over a dipping free kick from Kundai Benyu to keep the score level.
Both teams threatened in flashes before half-time. Jalai’s cutback found Kasondo in the box, but the forward scuffed his shot. At the other end, Chris Mugalu headed wide from a Phineas Bamusi cross as the first-half closed goalless.
The decisive moment arrived soon after the restart. From a Leeroy Mavunga corner, Kasondo peeled away at the near post and steered a firm header beyond goalkeeper Stephen Odai Kwaku. CAPS United tried to respond with a triple substitution on the hour, but their finishing betrayed them.
Bakala admitted his side had only themselves to blame. “Winning the game is by scoring goals, which we didn’t do,” he said. “We missed a lot of chances. They only got the corner and they scored. We just have to do much better than this.”
For CAPS United, the defeat stretched their winless run to three games and deepened an already anxious season. For Dynamos, the three points felt like six. They are now back in touch with the cluster of teams above them, and belief is growing that survival is no longer just a faint hope.
Teams
CAPS United: Stephen Odai Kwaku, Bruce Kangwa (K. Mangiza, 23rd min), Jimmy Dzingai, Wesley Milanzi, Chitoshi Chinga, Bernard Chipanera (N. Chintuli, 67th min), Tanaka Shandirwa, Kundai Benyu (J. Bakari, 77th min), Phineas Bamusi (J. Bunjira, 67th min), Ishmael Wadi (T. Matindife, 67th min), Chris Mugalu.
Dynamos: Prince Tafiremutsa, Emmanuel Jalai, Abel Gwatidzo, Tendaishe Magwaza, Issaka Mohammed, Tellmore Pio (D. Mukamba, 61st min), Vusa Ngwenya (F. Agyemang, 77th min), Shadreck Nyahwa, Wisdom Mutasa (V. Kadonzvo, 46th min), Jairos Kasondo (F. Hammond, 61st min), Leeroy Mavunga (E. Perezo, 61st min).
Still in the relegation zone.