Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Dynamos 0-0 Manica Diamonds
DYNAMOS’ relegation fears deepened yesterday as they once again failed to collect maximum points, settling for a goalless draw with fellow strugglers Manica Diamonds in a tense Castle Lager Premiership clash at Rufaro Stadium.
The result did little to ease the pressure on the fading Harare giants, who remain second from bottom with just 12 games left to save their season. They now trail the safety zone by seven points.
Even some of the most loyal DeMbare supporters are beginning to lose hope. However, stand-in coach Philemon Mutyakureva remains optimistic.
“Yeah, it was a difficult game, considering Manica Diamonds are also fighting relegation with us, but I thought maybe, with a bit of luck, we could have won. We could have scored one or two goals, but unfortunately, this is the result. We’ll take the point and go back to work on becoming more clinical in front of goal. “The chances of surviving relegation are still there. What’s needed now is to make sure we don’t drop points like we did today. We’re still in it — we can survive. It’s up to us to change what has happened,” said Mutyakureva.
Both sides delivered disjointed performances, although new signing Wisdom Mutasa was a bright spark for Dynamos. The former FC Platinum midfielder showed quality touches in midfield, but his teammates struggled to match his energy and composure.
DeMbare’s struggles in possession were glaring. They failed to retain the ball for extended periods and were guilty of numerous stray passes.
The club also carried heavy baggage into this fixture, still reeling from a US$5 000 fine for the abandoned match against FC Platinum and the suspension of head coach Saul Chaminuka. The PSL Disciplinary Committee also handed Chaminuka a US$4 000 fine for his role in the Mandava incident.
Disillusioned fans continue to stay away from matches, but the few who turned up yesterday kept singing in support of the team.
Dynamos created the better chances early on. Midfielder Tellmore Pio forced a brilliant save from Manica Diamonds’ goalkeeper Tedious Baye after 17 minutes.
The visitors had a strong penalty appeal turned down in the 63rd minute following a handball inside the box, but the referee waved play on.
DeMbare’s Ghanaian forward Frank Agyemang struck the upright from an Abel Gwatidzo corner midway through the second half. Substitute Leeroy Mavhunga also came close six minutes from time with a back-post header that Baye did well to keep out.
Manica Diamonds improved after the break and saw more of the ball but failed to create any clear-cut chances. The point means they’ve now gone eight matches without a win and remain 15th, with 22 points from 21 games.
Coach Tafadzwa Mashiri admitted the result was frustrating but took heart from the overall performance.
“I think it’s a good shift in terms of performance, bad in terms of results. A very good first half where we controlled the proceedings. We dominated possession and created numerous chances, but we fell short when it came to conversion. We could have at least scored in the first half, but it was the attempts that we made,” said Mashiri.
Teams
Dynamos: Tatenda Makoni, Emmanuel Jalai, Abel Gwatidzo (A. Mandinyenya 81st min), Clive Mandivei, Denis Nhongo, Shadreck Nyahwa, Temptation Chiwunga, Costa Nzviyo (E. Perezo 46th min), Wisdom Mutasa (L. Mavhunga 81st min), Tellmore Pio, Frank Agyemang.
Manica Diamonds: Tedious Baye, Farai Banda, Lawrence Mhlanga, Lawrence Masibera, Mark Fodya (A. Rupande 60th min), Takunda Jeffrey, Bret Amidu, Clive Dzingai (N. Mupanduki 68th min), Sibusiso Ndlovu (B. Tshipamba 84th min), Fortune Binzi (A. Chivandire 84th min), Kudzanai Dhemere (C. Teguru 60th min)
