Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 4
TelOne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
ATTACKING midfielder Nathan Mutasa delivered a game-changing performance off the bench to inspire Dynamos to a convincing 4-1 victory over TelOne and book a place in the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals at Rufaro yesterday.
Mutasa, introduced in the 64th minute, made an immediate impact by restoring Dynamos’ lead before providing the corner from which Isaac Landu headed home as the Glamour Boys pulled away from a determined TelOne side.
The defending champions, who have dominated the competition over the past three editions, stayed firmly on course to retain their title thanks to an own goal by TelOne defender Zibusiso Ruguchu, strikes from Mutasa and Landu, and a stoppage-time finish by Frank Agyemang.
Panashe Mutasa scored TelOne’s lone goal in a match where the final score-line did not fully reflect the visitors’ spirited performance.
The Gweru-based side successfully disrupted Dynamos’ possession-based game for much of the contest and held their own until the hosts finally found another gear in the final 20 minutes.
Dynamos coach Aristica Cioaba admitted his side struggled in the opening half but was pleased with the response after the break.
“The first 45 minutes were a big surprise for me because the players did not have the confidence to play,” said Cioaba.
“We had control of the game, but we only created two or three chances, and that was not our plan.
“At half-time I told them: “What are you afraid of? Let’s play our philosophy and express ourselves. Even if we lose, let’s play our football.”
“The players responded very well in the second half and showed that they listened.”
Dynamos also handed a debut to new Ghanaian midfielder Godknows Yaw Dzakpasu, who showed glimpses of qual-ity before making way for another recent acquisition, Burundian midfielder Ramela Harerimana, midway through the second half.
Still smarting from last week’s shock elimination from the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, Dynamos took the lead after 24 minutes through a fortunate own-goal.
TelOne defender Ruguchu inadvertently turned the ball into his own net after a communication breakdown with goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi, giving the hosts an early advantage.
The visitors responded positively and almost capitalised on a goalkeeping error by Tatenda Makoni from a corner kick, but Dynamos managed to clear their lines.
The visitors’ persistence paid off on the stroke of half-time when Panashe Mutasa combined neatly with Jerry Chipangura before firing home the equaliser.
After a largely balanced second half, DeMbare second half substitute Mutasa changed the complexion of the match in the 72nd minute. The midfielder timed his run perfectly before steering a low shot beyond Chikosi to restore Dynamos’ lead.
Six minutes from time, Mutasa turned provider. His corner kick was met by the towering Landu, whose powerful header made it 3-1 and effectively ended TelOne’s hopes of a comeback.
Makoni then produced a fine save to deny substitute Silas Songani, preserving Dynamos’ two-goal cushion.
The hosts completed the rout in stoppage time when Agyemang controlled a long free-kick from Harerimana before blasting home from close range.
Cioaba reserved special praise for Mutasa, whose influential cameo underlined his growing importance to the team.
“I think Nathan was the best player on the pitch, but he still needs to improve and understand our philosophy and tactics even better,” said Cioaba.
“I have always said he is a talented player. He has quality and excellent technique. If he continues to work hard, stay disciplined and improve physically, he has a very bright future.
“Step by step, we are working with him in training. He trusts the technical team, and I am confident he can become one of the best players in the country.”
The defeat marked a difficult start for newly appointed TelOne coach Joel Luphahla, who took charge after replacing Saul Chaminuka last week.
Despite the heavy loss, Luphahla drew encouragement from his side’s first-half display.
“I’m disappointed for the players because they worked hard and they are hurting after this result,” he said.
“We had a very good first half. We played with discipline and controlled the tempo of the game.
“In the second half, our energy levels dropped a little. We also started trying to play the way Dynamos were playing instead of sticking to our strengths.
“When that happened, the energy demands increased, and ultimately we conceded goals that, in my view, could have been avoided.”
Teams
Dynamos: Tatenda Makoni, Christopher Nettey, Abel Gwatidzo (Witness Shave 90th min), Clive Mandivei, Isaac Landu, Shadreck Nyahwa, Godknows Yaw Dzakpasu (Ramela Harerimana 64th min), Perfect Chikwende (Tellmore Pio 46th min), Leeroy Mavunga (Elton Njini 78th min), Ben Daouda Sidibe (Nathan Mutasa 64th min), Frank Agyemang.
TelOne: Takudzwa Chikosi, Eriya Mafirenyika, Jerry Chipangura, Nqobizitha Masuku, Marvellous Chigumira, Bruno Mtigo (Evans Katema 78th min), Innocent Mucheneka (Johannes Mabwe 81st min), Chelsea Nyakope, Panashe Mtasa (Silas Songani 78th min), Blessing Matebeck (Nkosiyabo Masilela 64th min), Zibusiso Ruguchu.
