HARARE – Dynamos eased their relegation fears as Emmanuel Mandiranga’s second half goal eased them past a battling ZPC Kariba at Rufaro on Sunday.
Dynamos coach Lloyd Mutasa turned 51 on Thursday, and team manager Richard Chihoro turned 62 on Sunday. They could have done with a more emphatic, less nervy victory to kick-start their birthday celebrations.
Skipper Ocean Mushure, marking his return to the team after a long lay-off, was the architect of the goal, striking a brilliant free kick on 53 minutes that was met by Emmanuel Mandiranga who flicked the ball into the nets.
Midfielders Denver Mukamba and Brett Amidu also made the starting line-up on their return but it was Mukamba who impressed with his silky skills and trademark passing range.
Amidu was largely anonymous and was guilty of missing a glorious opportunity from five yards out on 59 minutes, sending his effort over the bar in a one-on-one with goalkeeper Takabva Mawaya.
On any other day, he could have scored that one with his eyes closed.
The home team had started off brightly with Blessing Moyo missing a headed opportunity after nine minutes. Two minutes later Mukamba worked his way past two defenders before firing a low shot that drew a fine save from Mawaya.
Gift Saunyama also came close three minutes later from a set piece by Mushure.
The visitors, however, threatened with some dangerous raids. David Temwanjira terrorised the Dynamos defence with his pace and aggression.
He thought he had put the visitors ahead on 18 minutes but Dynamos goalkeeper Simbarashe Chinani reacted quickly to clear the ball from the line.
Mukamba could have added his name on the score board on 27 minutes, unleashing a stunning free kick near the edge of the area that troubled Mawaya.
Three minutes later Tawanda Nyamandwe broke free but Chinani reacted quickly to thwart his effort.
On 38 minutes, Munyaradzi Kunyarimwe watched in disappointment his brilliant freekick being tipped over by Chinani.
ZPC Kariba forced four successive corner kicks as they pressed in search of goal. Dynamos however, remained resolute in defence to end their four-match winless run.
Mutasa was delighted to secure maximum points.
“It’s our first win in four starts in the second half of the season and I’m happy. It’s a morale booster for the team going forward. It was my birthday last week and today, its team manager Richard Chihoro’s birthday. I couldn’t ask for more from the guys,” said Mutasa.
ZPC Kariba coach Godfrey Tamirepi said his team lost concentration.
“We were in control in the first 25 minutes and created chances. But I thought we were too slow in our movement and in the second half we lost concentration. We were under pressure to win this but at the end the best team won. We have been good travellers but today we were just unfortunate and we have to move on.”
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Results
Sunday
Mutare City 2-1 Shabanie Mine; Bulawayo Chiefs 1-0 Harare City; Dynamos 1-0 ZPC Kariba; Triangle 2-1 Yadah
Saturday
Nichrut 0-0 Highlanders; FC Platinum 2-0 Chapungu; Black Rhinos 2-0 Bulawayo City; Chicken Inn 1-1 Ngezi Platinum Stars; Herentals 0-0 Caps United
