MAGICAL CIOABA

Eddie Chikamhi

Zimpapers Sports Hub

 

MWOS…………………………………………. 0

Dynamos………………………….………… (1) 2

DYNAMOS supporters are believing again.

Three victories in eight days have transformed the mood around the Glamour Boys and yesterday’s 2-0 win over MWOS at Ngoni provided further evidence of Aristica Cioaba’s growing influence.

Fit-again Ghanaian defender Christopher Nettey’s cross created the opening, and Leeroy Mavhunga scored the insurance goal as DeMbare strengthened their hold on third place and moved to within nine points of leaders Scottland.

It has taken Cioaba only a short time to win over the usually hard-to-please Dynamos supporters, with results and an attractive style of play restoring belief.

The victory followed last Sunday’s 4-0 demolition of AGAMA and the completion of a 2-1 win over Hardrock after the remaining 14 minutes of their abandoned match were played in midweek.

Cioaba was impressed by the application of his players, who appear to have quickly embraced his methods.

“Yes, for us it’s very important. In one week we had three games and the players stayed focused and concentrated in all three games,” said Cioaba.

“I try to maintain the mental strength of the players and get what is needed from them, the mentality to win the game and not the mentality of losing.

“I am happy. The players respected our plan and tactics from the first minute to the 90th minute.

“This is very positive. It shows that the players trust our staff, the plans and the instructions. From this respect comes the win.”

While Dynamos celebrated, the result deepened the troubles at MWOS, where coach Lloyd Mutasa was targeted by a section of supporters unhappy with the team’s poor run.

The Norton-based side have now gone five matches without a win and suffered three successive defeats against Highlanders, Bulawayo Chiefs and Dynamos.

MWOS had started brightly but found themselves behind in the 42nd minute when Nettey’s cross sailed through a cluster of players and deceived goalkeeper Tedious Baye.

The hosts protested that play should have been stopped because Brandon Mpofu was down injured in the build-up.

Dynamos almost doubled their advantage before half-time when Frank Agyemang released Stanley Billiat on the right, but the Malawian’s powerful effort went narrowly wide.

Mutasa made two changes at the break, introducing Godfrey Manase and Principe Magondo, but MWOS struggled to turn their possession into clear chances.

Instead, Dynamos came close again when Isaac Landu’s effort from a corner was deflected inside a crowded penalty area.

Demera then made an immediate impact, scoring with his first touch two minutes after replacing Billiat when he headed home Agyemang’s cross in the 67th minute.

Perfect Chikwende should have added a third after being sent clear, but lifted his effort over the bar with only Baye to beat.

Dynamos had the ball in the net again in the closing stages when MWOS defender Aristotle Manyamba turned the ball into his own goal at the back post, but the effort was ruled out for an earlier offside.

“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.

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 (Wilson 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, Leeroy Mavunga (Wotness Shave, 86th min), Frank Agyemang, Perfect Chikwende (Trevor Mavunga, 86th min), Stanley Billiat (Moses Demera, 65th min).