HARARE – Dynamos’ hopes of clinching the 2023 premiership title continue to fade following a 1-0 home defeat to neighbours Herentals College in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Match Day 26 clash played at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

An own goal by skipper Frank Makarati just eight minutes into the clash was all Herentals needed to upstage the premiership giants and claim maximum points.

Makarati was unfortunate to deflect former Dynamos midfielder Ali Maliselo’s shot into the near post to give the opponents a lead they would hand on to right up to the final whistle.

Dynamos head coach Genesis Mangombe admitted his side did not put up a performance deserving of a team that wants to be counted in the league championship conversation.

“We tried our best, we did everything but the opponents were organised in terms of defence and they managed to protect the goal,” he said in a post-match interview.

Dynamos now trail log leaders Ngezi Platinum by a gaping 11 points with just eight matches left to the end of the season.

In another clash played at the Colliery, struggling premiership giants Caps United beat Hwange 1-0 to bring relief to a club that found itself sinking in an unfamiliar relegation zone.

Former soccer star of the year Rodwell Chinyengetere’s headed effort moments before the half time break ensured maximum points for the visiting Harare side.

Elsewhere, Green Fuel compounded basement side Cranborne Bullets’ woes with a 1-0 beating of the troubled outfit while Sheasham also overpowered Bulawayo Chiefs by beating them 2-1 at Bata.

Yadah were 3-1 victors over Triangle United at Baobab.

Following weekend’s premiership clashes, Ngezi Platinum top the standings on 51 points, followed by FC Platinum who have amassed 46.

Highlanders dropped to third on 45 points while Manica Diamonds are fourth on 43.

Dynamos and Chicken Inn both have 40 points but the Harare side are fifth by virtue of a superior goal difference.

SUNDAY RESULTS

Dynamos 0-1Herentals

Hwange 0-1 Caps United

Green Fuel 1-0 Cranborne Bullets

Sheasham 2-1 Bulawayo Chiefs

Yadah 3-1 Triangle United