Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Herentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 2
Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(1) 2
GHANAIAN Frank Agyemang scored the fastest goal of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League this season, but the strike was not enough to bring relief to Dynamos after the Harare giants were held by bogey side Herentals at Rufaro yesterday.
Agyemang was on target after only 17 seconds, setting the stage for what looked like a promising day for the struggling giants.
The expatriate winger was in brilliant form yesterday, also assisting the second goal scored by Jairos Kasondo soon after the restart.
But DeMbare were duly punished for their spineless defence after twice letting go of their lead, in a game that looked there for the taking.
Dreamer Liyeto equalised for Herentals after 15 minutes before Kasondo put DeMbare back in the lead.
Dynamos thought they had it in the bag, but veteran utility man Ralph Kawondera had the final say with a stunning grounder right at the death, which catapulted him back to the top of the scoring charts on seven goals and earned Herentals a vital point.
But the numbers are not looking good for Dynamos, who have now not won a match in their last six games.
DeMbare seem to have lost the steam with which they had started the season.
Genesis Mangombe’s men have managed only four points from a possible 18, leaving their supporters bewildered.
The DeMbare fans now do not know whether the problem lies with the players or Mangombe.
In yesterday’s game, Mangombe made five changes to the team that lost 1-2 to CAPS United in the high-profile derby at the same venue last Sunday. Mangombe must be concerned by his defence, with goalkeeper Harmony Nare again falling short when dealing with corner kicks and aerial balls despite his height and huge frame.
“We played according to our plan, but at the same time we are found wanting and conceding goals of the same type each and every game, which I think we need to work very hard and improve on defending some goals from crosses and also corner kicks,” said Mangombe.
“But overall, I like the way the team played, given that we have several changes in the team and also managing to score two goals.
“Those are the positives we are looking into, and also we will try and take them forward, then try to rectify our defending as well,” Mangombe said. Dynamos who were among the early pacesetters have now slipped to seventh position with 18 points from 12 games.
They trail log leaders CAPS United by eight points. DeMbare had themselves to blame yesterday after they twice failed to manage their lead.
Agyemang put them in the lead when he blasted home from close range before most of the supporters had taken their seats.
The Ghanaian was at the right place when Kasondo blocked a hurried clearance by goalkeeper Tinotendaishe Takarinda soon after the referee had blown to start the game.
DeMbare, however, failed to defend from a corner, just like last week when they conceded against CAPS United, with defenders caught flat-footed and the goalkeeper at sea.
Liyeto headed the equaliser unmarked after 15 minutes.
Referee Lawrence Zimondi almost lost control of the game late in the first half, after DeMbare supporters hurled missiles in protest against his decisions, which they felt were biased against their team.
DeMbare reclaimed the lead with another early goal on resumption.
This time Agyemang turned provider after sprinting down the right channel before delivering a perfect low cross that was blasted home by Kasondo.
Nare then made a point-blank save to deny Lot Chiunga midway through the second half.
But the Students still salvaged a point at the death with captain Kawondera.
Kawondera, who started off as a centre-back switched to centre forward the last 30 minutes of the game.
He proved it while he was the league’s top scorer when he controlled a cross from Liyeto with composure and then unleashed a low shot to the bottom corner.
Kawondera now has seven goals, one ahead of Kasondo and Khama Billiat of Scottland. Herentals coach Paul Benza was excited by his team’s performance, which enabled them to maintain their place just above Dynamos on the log standings with 19 points.
“We are happy with the result because we played against a big team with many supporters. So coming from behind and claiming a point was fantastic from our side,” said Benza.
“We knew that Dynamos was going to come at us because for the past five games they haven’t been picking up positive results.
“So, we knew that it was not going to be an easy result.
“But firstly, our tactical approach was to try and get an early goal, but unfortunately it backfired and they were the ones who got that early goal.
“We were now chasing the game, so it disturbed everything from the first 30 seconds where they got the goal.
“But generally getting that equaliser in the last minute is something that is important and we are going to work from there so that we will not keep on conceding, especially in the early minutes of the game.”
Teams:
Herentals: Tinotendaishe Takarinda, Brighton Majarira, Dreamer Liyeto, Tinashe Mupumha, Elasto Chigora (Lot Chiunga, 46th min), Blessing Phiri, Prince Mahembe, Ralph Kawondera, Tinashe Mazambani, Wilmore Chimbetu, Innocent Benza (Milton Chimedza, 46th min).
Dynamos: Harmony Nare, Hastings Chapusha, Wisdom Mutasa (Stanley Billiat, 67th min), Tellmore Pio, Jairos Kasondo (Moses Demera, 86th min), Leeroy Mavunga (Witness Shave, 67th min), Frank Agyemang, Abel Gwatidzo, Christopher Netty, Isaac Landu (Collen Mujuru, 68th min)
