MANICA DIAMONDS . . . . 0
DYNAMOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
DYNAMOS’ struggles in front of goal persisted yesterday as a tale of missed chances saw them settle for a draw with Manica Diamonds in a thrilling Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Sakubva Stadium.
DeMbare have gone four matches without a win and are yet to take three points off a side that was in the topflight last season.
Their four wins so far have come against newly-promoted sides TelOne, Arenel, Bikita Minerals and Chegutu Pirates.
It was an electrically-charged jewel that saw the two teams crossing the swords in the battle for supremacy.
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Action swung from one end to the other as the two sides played entertaining football.
Two minutes into the match, Manica Diamonds midfielder Brett Amidhu narrowly missed the target and moments later, teammate and winger Gerald Bhera had his effort saved by impressive DeMbare goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa.
Dynamos striker Emmanuel Paga and midfielder Alexander Mandinyenya had attempts at goal, but Manica Diamonds goalie Geoffrey Chitsumba jealously covered his goal area.
The first half was a well-balanced affair as the two sides traded punches.
In the second half, both teams upped the tempo as they showed hunger to score goals.
Dynamos were more determined and controlled the game, but found the Gem Boys’ defence, well-marshalled by an impressive Farai Banda and Tawanda Chisi, uncompromising.
The introduction of Micheal Tapera, Kudzai Dhemere and Panashe Mutasa for Manica Diamonds in the second half changed the complexion of the game as the home team mustered more attacks.
However, it was DeMbare that squandered a glut of chances.
In the 72nd minute, Valentine Kadonzvo expressed his disbelief when Chitsumba went airborne to save his shot with DeMbare fans already celebrating.
In the closing stages, Paga also missed a gilt-edged chance from Tanaka Shandirwa’s pass, while Temptation Chiwunga missed a sitter when he failed to tap in a cross from Kadonzvo.
Dynamos midfielder Donald Mudadi could have killed it in the 86th minute, but failed to place the ball into an empty net.
Manica Diamonds coach Jairosi Tapera said the match was tough and thanked his defence for containing Dynamos raids.
“It was an open game. We had our chances, but we failed to convert them. They [Dynamos] played well, but our defence contained them. We were knocking the ball around and we were unlucky not to have scored,” he said.
“It was a team effort and I am happy with how we played. It was an interesting match,” Tapera added.
The draw might have dispirited the demanding DeMbare fans and this, perhaps, could pile more pressure on Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe (pictured).
DeMbare need to start picking up maximum points to appease their restless fans.
And Mangombe knows that.
“This is a result that we can accept. In football, you can either win, draw and lose matches. We were creating chances and not scoring. We came good in the closing stages, but we failed to score,” Mangombe said.
“We have to believe in ourselves. We are slowly getting there. At the end of the day we will get there.”