DYNAMOS’ quest for an unprecedented fifth league title on the bounce suffered a major setback when they were humiliated by an onfire FC Platinum at Mandava on Saturday.
BY MUKUDZEI CHINGWERE
Obrey Chirwa scored a brace which sealed the victory after Gift Bello opened the scoring in the early minutes of the game.
The three goals outweighed Takesure Chinyama’s solitary goal to ensure maximum points for the hosts.
The result owes a lot to the midfield brilliance of mid-season recruit and Young Warriors sensation Gerald “General” Takwara who undoubtedly won most of the balls with distinction. The result leaves Dynamos seven points behind leaders Chicken Inn.As for FC Platinum, they have put down an important marker as real title contenders, though they remain five points behind early pacesetters Chicken Inn.
As for FC Platinum, they have put down an important marker as real title contenders, though they remain five points behind early pacesetters Chicken Inn.
It was indeed sweet revenge for the platinum miners who lost 1-0 to the defending champions in Harare when they met in the first leg.
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The battle is, however, not over as the two giants are set for yet another clash in the Chibuku Super Cup tie next week.
Dynamos coach Tonderai Ndiraya conceded defeat, saying their hopes of retaining the title now hung in the balance.
“We lost fair and square. I thought we gave away soft goals and that happens in football,” Ndiraya said.
“FC Platinum played well and they deserved to win, but despite the loss, I feel my boys played well.
“It’s a dent [on the title chase], but it is still a long way to go. We are still hopeful and I believe we can bounce back and we can fight to the end.”
FC Platinum gaffer Norman Mapeza was delighted with maximum points against the champions,but watered down chances of them denying DeMbare a fifth title.
“The most important thing was to play well and get a positive result.We are still a long way to go.We need to keep our feet on the ground,” he said.
“We don’t want to fool ourselves about the championship and put ourselves under unnecessary pressure. God knows our destiny and we leave everything to Him.”
The hosts took the initiative from the onset, driven by the modified brilliance of Takwara who bossed around in the middle of the park, even overshadowing the Dynamos revered man, Stephen Alimenda.
As early as the sixth minute, the miners were rewarded for their dominance when Bello rose highest, heading home Elvis Moyo’s corner, to give the home side a deserved lead.
Five minutes later, experienced forward Chinyama levelled the scoreboard, connecting Godknows Murwira’s cross with a powerful header to beat Petros Mhari in goal for FC Platinum.
Zambian import Chirwa restored the miners’ lead after half an hour of action with a powerful drive that left Tatenda Mukuruva stranded.
Two minutes after the breather,Tatenda Dzumbunu picked Moyo on the left, but he was denied point-blank by Mukuruva.
Moments later, Chinyama got chances in succession for the champions, first shooting wide before he was also denied by Mhari.
Chirwa completed his brace, adding gloss to the score line 15 minutes before full-time when he tapped home a Marshall Mudehwe cross.
Ndiraya brought in Richard Kawondera, Kelvin Bulaji and Masimba Mambare for Chinyama, Roderick Mutuma and Sydney Linyama to add more fire upfront.
His opposite number Mapeza responded with the introduction of anchorman Simon Shoko for offensive midfielder Dzumbunu to close shop.
