The Sunday News
Ishemunyoro Chingwere
ZPC Kariba………………………..(0) 2
Dynamos……………………………(1) 1 DYNAMOS’ reputation of turning on the magic and grinding results when it matters most was shred into tatters by a determined ZPC Kariba who took a giant step towards the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League crown in their debut season in top flight.
Few would have given the homeless electricity generators the chance to be in the championship matrix at this stage of the competition let alone to knock Dynamos off the podium when the champions appeared on course for their fourth consecutive title.
But the hosts not only ensured the race goes to the wire but made sure they will go into the last round of the bout with one hand firmly holding onto the land’s biggest prize and will have none but themselves to blame if they let it slip.
Surprise starter Anesu Gondo gave Dynamos an early lead which he, however, never celebrated after injuring himself in the process but ZPC clawed back through second half goals by Tsepo Ranthokoane and Limited Chikafa.
The win helped Saul Chamunika’s men to the apex of the standings with two points better than the champions who could have successfully defended their title with a win yesterday.
Chaminuka turned the game on its head in the second half with the introduction of journeyman Ranthokoane who did not disappoint and made sure DeMbare left the National Sports Stadium calculating the permutations that will help them to the title.
The ZPC Kariba coach said despite falling to Gondo’s goal, he knew his charges would fight back and steal it right under their opponents’ watch.
“The title is now ours to lose, it has been a very long and turbulent journey but we have taken a very big step to wrap it up now. Of course we still have work to do against Caps United but the league is now ours to lose. The boys really did well and even when we were trailing the attitude showed me that we were going to find our way back into the game.
“You ought to give credit to these guys, it’s not easy to come from behind and beat Dynamos at this stage of the competition. But God has a plan for us this season,” said Chaminuka.
His opposite number’s decision to start with Gondo ahead of Roderick Mutuma and Masimba Mambare ahead of Tafadzwa Rusike surprised many but the gamble appeared to carry the day for Dynamos as the two combined for the title winning goal that however never was. Gondo’s participation was unfortunately cut short as he injured himself in the process and made way for Mutuma.
Pasuwa’s decision to leave the gangly striker on the bench was vindicated as Mutuma fluffed a number of chances that could have given DeMbare a comfortable lead.
ZPC could have levelled matters as early as the 13th minute but Pride Tafirenyika’s header was expertly pushed back into play by Tatenda Mukuruva only for Trevor Chikede to blast it into the side netting with the teenage goalie crawling at his mercy.
The champions responded swiftly with a counter which saw Mutuma surging into the box only to blaze his effort over the bar with just goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaungwa to beat.
Mambare was a constant threat on the right channel and released Mutuma in the 20th minute but the striker’s glory bound header was pushed over by Mateyaungwa.
Chaminuka’s second half talk coupled with the introduction of Ranthokoane gave the hosts the much needed impetus as they got into their groove with Tafirenyika, Chikede and Chikafa giving Dynamos a torrid time.
It was not long before they were back on level terms via a 58th speculative Ranthokoane shot which beat an out drawn Mukuruva for height. Six minutes after the hour mark, Mateyaungwa made sure ZPC remained on level terms with arguably the best save of the match off a powerful header by Simba Sithole.
With a draw set to give Dynamos the advantage going into the last match, ZPC pressed for a winner and it duly arrived in the 69th minute through Chikafa who headed home a cross by Tawanda Nyamandwe.
Tafirenyika had a chance to further stretch the lead in the 76th minute but was denied by Mukuruva, who punched his first shot back into play before pushing the second one out for a corner.
Pasuwa mourned missed chances but said Dynamos will not throw in the towel.
“It’s unfortunate we failed to defend the early lead we got. We also had many chances to extend the lead but we missed a number of chances while they took theirs. We are however still in the race and we will fight to the end but maybe a draw would have given us a better chance going into the last match,” said Pasuwa.
Teams
ZPC Kariba: T Mateyaungwa, D Phiri, T Munyanduri, E Mwinga, T Chikede (M Makanje 85th), O Mwerahari (T Ranthokoane 47th), P Tafirenyika, T Nyamandwe, T Muzondo, L Chikafa (T Gonzo 92nd), D Dauda
Dynamos: T Mukuruva, B Moyo, A Mbara, T Ndlovu, O Mushure, S Alimenda (T Muparati 75th), T Magorimbo, R Chitiyo, S Sithole, A Gondo (R Mutuma 12th), M Mambare (T Rusike 65th)
