Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Dynamos………………………..…………….0 2
Highlanders……………………………..……(1) 2
IF you thought the Battle of Zimbabwe between Dynamos and Highlanders was losing its lustre and gloss, just THINK AGAIN.
The first instalment of the biggest match-up in the Premier Soccer League brought just about everything at Rufaro yesterday.
There was entertainment, flair, intensity, goals and towards the tail end, controversy.
That’s about this fixture and the value for money it is known for.
The capacity crowd, even with a US$5 for the cheapest ticket, enjoyed every moment of it.
And it was probably just fair that it ended with a share of the point.
Both teams simply deserved to walk out of the Rufaro turf with something and even when referee Thabani Ruzario somehow decided not to give Bosso’s Mongameli Tshuma his marching orders for an off-ball nudge on Collin Mujuru in time added on, it still felt cool.
Highlanders scored through Never Rauzhi and Tshuma while substitute Tellmore Pio and Mujuru found the target for the Glamour Boys.
With two match days on the wall, Dynamos climbed back to second with four points while Highlanders, are mid-table with two points having also drawn their opening fixture against Bulawayo Chiefs.
But the Bulawayo giants will feel they deserved to squeeze more from yesterday’s showdown especially after leading their hosts on two separate occasions.
Rauzhi intercepted a DeMbare build-up from the back and ran through on goal before unleashing a low shot to the far post.
Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe rang three changes after resumption, including bringing Pio for Trevor Mavunga and, less than a minute later, the former was celebrating the equaliser.
Pio, well the pint-sized man has a big heart, hit a volley towards ‘keeper Reward Muza’s right.
The ball appeared to lack the sting but it eluded Muza, who should take the flak, and just like that, the scores were level.
It was Bosso who took the lead again.
Tshuma drove through a traffic jam of blue Dynamos shirts and a badly positioned Tatenda Makoni aided his cause as he just rounded everyone off before slotting into the empty net.
Just 13 minutes were still on the clock and Dynamos proved that much can be enough in a game of football.
Leroy Mavunga whipped in a perfect corner that Mujuru expertly volleyed first-time to awaken the game yet again.
Thereafter, especially with only 10 minutes remaining, both teams never wanted to risk it out and extra management became key.
Bosso coach, Benjani Mwaruwari, said:
“It was a good game of football where both teams wanted to play. I think a draw was fair. It was a game of two halves and I am happy the fans watched a very good game.”
Mangombe agreed.
“I think it was a game of maybe two halves. But you see, coming from behind, it means the boys have got the character,” said Mangombe.
Teams
Dynamos
Tatenda Makoni, Shadreck Nyahwa, Jairos Kasondo (Elton Njini 46th min), Clive Mandivei, Christopher Nettey, Collin Mujuru, Stanley Billiat (Moses Demera 78th min), Frank Agyemang (Witness Shave 46th min), Anotidaishe Gwatidzo, Trevor Mavunga (Tellmore Pio 46th min), Perfect Chikwende
Highlanders
Reward Muza,Nomore Chinyerere, Mongameli Tshuma,Shepherd Mhlanga
Prince Ndlovu (Kudakwashe Mahachi 64th min), Andrew Mbeba,Rainsome Pavari,Tawanda Shenje,Never Rauzhi (Akim Nkomo 64th min), Luckmore Mutumbi (Lawrence Mhlanga 16th min), Benjamin Adeogun
