Online Reporter
Bruce Chikuni, Zimpapers Sports Hub
MWOS FC 1-0 Dynamos
AS largely expected, the Norton community came out in numbers to celebrate the milestone, which saw their own MWOS’ historic Castle Lager Premiership match at Ngoni Stadium yesterday.
Chigowe lost the battle of Lloyds, as his counterpart Mutasa got the bragging rights.
But the bigger story is that giants, Dynamos, recorded an unwanted record, one of their worst starts in the first seven games, in seasons they have gone on to win their title.
And this means Chigowe’s future as Dynamos coach is now uncertain.
History will remember Claude Mapoka as the first player to score at Ngoni Stadium in what was the team’s homecoming fixture.
And it was not just an ordinary goal, as his diving header was fused with great timing, precision and power.
Mapoka’s solitary strike means Mutasa’s troops have extended their unbeaten run to seven games, and their defence has been breached just once during the period under review.
They are in the driving seat of the Castle Lager Premiership, proceeding with 17 points.
This also means Mutasa’s men have now floored Highlanders and Dynamos, leaving them with only CAPS United, whom they will face in weeks’ time, to complete the “big three wins”.
It was Dynamos’ third loss on the bounce, reflecting the club’s disorganisation.
The hosts had the first attempt on goal, but Tinotenda Mutyambizi’s effort failed to hit the target in the 11th minute.
Mutasa’s men applied more pressure and had two corner kicks in the first 13 minutes.
Billy Vheremu was a menace to Dynamos’ defence, giving MWOS width in their raids.
Dynamos’ Vusa Ngwenya was more lively in the midfield, but forward Ephraim Gwekwerere seemed too light to trouble Tafadzwa Nyabunze.
Emmanuel Jalai, like a real captain, was Dynamos’ best player, each time, he had the ball venturing forward with purpose.
Mutyambizi was nearly made to pay after being picked off by Ngwenya, who failed to make use of the chance in the 30th minute.
Dynamos reacted from their poor first-half showing by introducing Tellmore Pio, Elton Chikona and Frank Agyman.
The trio injected a different dimension, and Dynamos became a different beast in no time.
However, the visitors conceded a goal against the run of play, off a brilliant cross from Vheremu, which was buried by Mapoka with a diving header in the 52nd minute.
Vheremu nearly extended the lead just two minutes after the opener but failed to connect with Mapoka’s fine delivery.
Mutyambizi, Matthew Murambiwa and Malvin Mudzuka bossed the midfield, limiting Dynamos’ slim chances of restoring parity.
Chikona was denied from close range by Martin Mapisa, who made a superb save at the death.
Mutasa dedicated the win to the fans.
“I would like to give it to the fans, they came out in numbers, and we could not have won this match without their support,” said Mutasa.
“It’s very pleasing to see the boys winning, and it shows they are paying attention to detail. You can only be proud of these boys.
“Our defence has been amazing, and I want to thank our leadership for responding to our request for better defenders.”
His counterpart, Chigowe, sent his assistant Mark Mathe to address the media.
“We had a plan, a tactical plan, and I thought it worked out well, especially in the first half. These guys (MWOS) are very dangerous on the wing.
“So, if you have a team that’s dangerous on the wings, you want to stifle spaces so they don’t run into the box and get effective crosses. We did that effectively.
“We came out of our shell after the break. We could have avoided the goal we conceded. So, yeah, it’s a tough one to take, but all hope is not lost,” said Mathe.
