Oscar Rusenga in Triangle
Triangle United . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1
Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)1
Goals in each half from Dynamos’ towering defender Isaac Landu and Triangle left-back Joel Munsaka meant the two teams had to settle for a share of the spoils in their midweek Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixture at Gibbo yesterday.
It was the first meeting for Triangle coach Genesis Mangombe against Dynamos since he was replaced by Aristica Cioaba in a much-publicised saga at Dynamos before he rejoined Triangle.
Triangle needed maximum points as they still believe they can turn around their season and survive relegation, while a point keeps the Glamour Boys in control as they look to consolidate their position and finish inside the top four.
The opening half belonged to Dynamos, who controlled proceedings with captain Tellmore Pio orchestrating from midfield.
Triangle were, however, the first to threaten but after a solo run, Emmanuel Paga’s effort was denied as referee Brighton Chimene signalled for offside against Triangle youngster Vincie Mero, who was adjudged to have interfered with play in the 17th minute.
Dynamos responded just five minutes later with a super strike from Leeroy Mavhunga but his effort was equally matched by some good reflexes from Triangle goalkeeper Simbarashe Chinani, who tipped it over the bar before clearing his lines from a dangerous set-piece from Abel Gwatidzo.
The visitors kept knocking and they were eventually rewarded. After Malvin Mkolo conceded a cheap corner, Dynamos took advantage as Gwatidzo delivered a good set-piece and Landu rose highest at the back post to score unchallenged in the 27th minute.
It was an end-to-end affair as Triangle searched for an equaliser before the break.
Dynamos goalkeeper Idrisou Nfor preserved the lead for his side as he denied Paga in a one-on-one situation before denying Munsaka on the rebound to complete a perfect double save just after the half-hour mark.
Dynamos’ defence could not be breached in the opening half as Landu and Gumisai Mandivei formed a steady partnership. The home side eventually got the opportunity to level matters in the second half when Nfor fouled Paga inside the box.
Chimene did not hesitate to point to the spot and Munsaka made no mistake from 12 yards to level matters on the hour mark.Triangle looked hungrier in the remaining 30 minutes as the visitors were visibly exhausted in the Lowveld’s scorching heat.
Sydney Urikhob could have been a hero for the home fans but headed his effort over the bar from six yards after a good cross from fellow second-half substitute Lima Ndeke.
A total of nine foreign players represented their respective clubs as the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League continues to attract players from across Africa.
Dynamos coach Cioaba was happy with a point away from home.
“We take one point, it’s not a bad result considering that we are playing away from home against a team that is motivated to fight and avoid relegation. We now need to take the positives as we prepare for our next league game against Hardrock.”
His opposite number Genesis Mangombe was not happy with a point but insisted they are not yet relegated and will fight to the end.
“We needed three points, it’s sad that we could not convert a handful of chances that we created in both halves,” he said.
“Yes, Dynamos were better in the first half but we changed approach and we were all over them in the second half.
There are moments where I felt the referee could have done better. We had two penalty calls I felt looked obvious but they are better positioned to give decisions and it’s sad that we could not win again at home in front of our fans.
