Mehluli Sibanda Senior Sports Reporter
Tsholotsho ....................................... 0
Dynamos ...................................... (1) 1
DYNAMOS interim coach Lloyd Mutasa believes yesterday’s hard fought win over a resolute Tsholotsho at Barbourfields Stadium, only their second win in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League will bring with it a sense of belief to his side. The former champions held off a determined Tsholotsho who bombarded their goal area in the last 10 minutes of the second half and were unfortunate not to have found the target. 

A first half penalty converted by Ocean Mushure was all DeMbare needed to pick up their second set of three points this season. Mutasa, thrust into the coaching role following the sacking of Portuguese Paulo Jorge Silva is convinced that the victory will be a huge morale booster ahead of a clash against Highlanders on Sunday. He applauded Tsholotsho for the fight they put up and said they were unfortunate to concede the penalty. 

“We last won  four matches ago, it was always going to be difficult for us. This win can only instil a sense of belief in the youngsters, we still have a lot of ground to cover. Our conversion rate is not a reflection of our attacking prowess,’’ said Mutasa.

Lizwe Sweswe, the Tsholotsho coach was disappointed with his team’s failure to score despite having dominated Dynamos for the better parts of the match. 

“It is one of those days in office when you play well and you don’t win. The first five minutes that’s where we lost the game when we conceded that penalty, we played well but didn’t take our chances,’’ said Sweswe.

Dynamos were gifted an early advantage six minutes into the match, Thando Ncube pulling down Farai Mupasiri inside the box giving referee Nkosikhona Moyo no option but to point to the spot. Mushure made no mistake in sending Chang Mariyoni the wrong way. Three minutes later, Obey Mwerahari’s firm header from a free kick was cleanly taken by Mariyoni. 

Defender Nkosi Moyo wasted a glorious opportunity to put Tsholotsho level in the 22nd minute only to blast his effort wide with Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva at his mercy. 

Dynamos got a chance with half an hour played, Richard Kawondera sent through by Brett Amidu but Mariyoni was alert to avert the danger posed by the attack.

The second half completely belonged to Tsholotsho who showed an intention to score 10 minutes after the break, MacClive Phiri sent a pass to substitute Collins Duhwa whose grounder was saved by Mukurva.

Dynamos had a lovely exchange of passes in the 57th minute, Mupasiri taking a snap shot at goal but his effort went wide off target. Four minutes after, Mwerahari had his dangerous looking cross cleared out for a corner kick by the impressive Butholezwe Ncube.

It was Tsholotsho’s turn in the 63nd minute, Simbarashe Gorogodyo forcing out a save from Mukuruva who pushed the ball out for a corner. Duhwa wasted yet an opportunity in the 68th minute when he found himself unmarked in the box and with Mukuruva to take care of, he unbelievable shot wide. 

With 10 minutes to go, Mukuruva came to Dynamos’ rescue, blocking out attempts by Mustapha Ponyera and Lynoth Chikuhwa.  Tsholotsho upped the pressure even into the referee’s optional time but could not breach the Dynamos defence.

Teams 

Tsholotsho: Chang Mariyoni, MacClive Phiri, Nkosi Moyo, Thando Ncube, William Stima, Butholezwe Ncube, Rodrick Mupfudza, Bruno Madanhire(Chikuhwa 65 minutes), Simbarashe Gorogodyo, Joel Luphahla(Duhwa 49 minutes), Mustapha Ponyera

Dynamos: Tatenda Mukuruva, Obey Mwerahari, Ocean Mushure, Elisha Muroiwa, Sydney Linyama, Stephen Alimenda,  Brett Amidu(Mukanga 46 minutes), Carlos Rusere(Mambare 74 minutes), Godknows Murwira, Farai Mupasiri, Richard Kawondera( Chipunza 80 minutes).