Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Dynamos 0-1 Scottland
A moment of brilliance from Tymon Machope early in the second half was all Scottland needed to deepen Dynamos’ misery at Rufaro Stadium yesterday, as they secured a gritty 1-0 victory in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League showdown.
Machope pounced in the 47th minute after a defensive mishap, finishing clinically from close range after Khama Billiat’s pressure forced a poor clearance from Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni. It was a goal that not only sealed Scottland’s second consecutive win of the campaign but also underlined the growing crisis at DeMbare, who remain entrenched in the relegation zone.
Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya was visibly buoyant after the final whistle, lauding his side’s growing consistency and the influence of his key men.
“We’re very excited about the win. We’ve been unfortunate with a few draws, but now the momentum is building. Tymon is doing exactly what we expect of him. He’s a natural goal scorer, and we knew he would come good,” Ndiraya said.
But it was his praise of Warriors talisman Khama Billiat that stood out.
“Khama’s leadership is unbelievable, on and off the pitch. His energy levels are phenomenal, and he’s setting the tone for this team. He’s playing a huge role in stabilising the squad,” Ndiraya said.
Ndiraya, who guided Simba Bhora to the league championship last season, admitted that title ambitions are always there but stressed the importance of managing expectations.
“Every coach wants the title, but it’s never easy. I’ve seen just how tough it gets. This season is even more competitive, so we’re taking it one game at a time.”
For Dynamos, the storm clouds continue to gather. The Harare giants have managed just two goals all season and have looked toothless in attack, with yesterday’s display once again exposing their lack of bite.
Head coach Lloyd “Mablanyo” Chigowe was visibly dejected, struggling to explain another lacklustre result.
“I thought we had a good first-half. But miscommunication and poor decision making early in the second cost us. I’m at a loss for words,” he said.
Chigowe pointed to the absence of Ghanaian forward Frank Agymeyang, suspended after a red card in the previous fixture, as a critical blow to their attacking setup.
“We missed Agymeyang, though he hasn’t been scoring. We had to improvise, but it didn’t work. Both sets of strikers didn’t get many chances, but Scottland took theirs. It was an evenly contested game decided by a defensive howler.”
The first-half offered little in terms of clear chances. Ronald Pfumbidzai tested Makoni in the 33rd minute, but the shot was tame. Dynamos responded with a well-struck Abel Gwatidzo free-kick that forced a strong save from Nelson Chadya in the 37th minute.
After Machope’s opener, Scottland nearly doubled their lead moments later, but Makoni denied the striker a second. Dynamos pushed back, with Fred and Elton Chikona both denied by Chadya in the second-half.
Scottland almost sealed it in the 84th, but Mandivei’s goal-line clearance kept the scoreline respectable.
With mounting pressure on DeMbare, and Scottland showing signs of early season grit, the Harare giants will need more than just history to climb out of trouble.
Teams
Dynamos: Tatenda Makoni (GK), Emmanuel Jalai, Abel Gwatidzo, Clive Mandivei, Tendai Magwaza, Nomore Chinyerere, Fred Alick, Tellmore Pio (Temptation Chiwunga 67’), Valentine Kadonzvo (Keith Madera 68’), Leeroy Mavunga (Blessing Dziwo), Chingwara (Elton Chikona 60’)
Scottland: Nelson Chadya (GK), Godknows Murwira, Walter Musona (Emmanuel Saidi 88’), Gareth Madhake, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Kevin Moyo, Khama Billiat (Michael Tapera 89’), Albert Manenji, Nathan Mutasa (Mutimbanyoka Panashe 58’), Tymon Machope (Kingsley Mureremba), Frederick Botchway (Mthokozisi Msebe 58’)
