Oscar Rusenga in TRIANGLE
Manica Diamonds……… (1) 1
Dynamos…………… …….. 0
A first-half goal from a free-kick taken by Brian Chikwenya powered Manica Diamonds to maximum points as Dynamos title hopes suffered a HUGE blow in a rearranged Castle Lager Premiership fixture at Gibbo yesterday.
It was a balanced and entertaining affair for a good crowd in attendance.
The visitors showed early intent with striker Eli Ilunga coming close in the ninth minute, but his effort from an acute angle could not hit the target.
Manica Diamonds goalkeeper Tedious Baye quickly sent the ball up field and Fortune Binzi was brought down by Tanaka Shandirwa.
Referee Philani Ncube signalled for a direct free-kick and Chikwenya curled his effort beyond goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa, who was badly positioned, as the home side took the lead inside twelve minutes.
Dynamos quickly responded but were not clinical in front of goal.
Shandirwa missed a sitter, pushing his effort wide when it was easier to score, after Baye left his line before missing the ball in the 18th minute.
Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe made a triple tactical substitution, introducing Emmanuel Paga, Emmanuel Ziocha and Elton Chikona, as he tried a different approach with addition of pace and energy.
“It was a difficult game, we played ZPC Kariba, we played CAPS United at the weekend and travelled for this game,” said Mangombe.
“I think fatigue contributed to the loss but the boys played very well save for failing to convert the few chances we created.
“Some of the decisions made by match officials are critical and cost us the game. It’s a game of football and we have to accept it and move forward.”