Scottland . . . . . . . (1) 2
Dynamos . . . . . . . (0) 3
Amoment of pure magic from veteran forward Denver Mukamba sealed a stunning come from behind victory for a resurgent Dynamos over title-chasing newcomers Scottland in a five-goal thriller at a packed Rufaro Stadium yesterday.
The promised fireworks certainly delivered in an electric atmosphere, with Dynamos ending Scottland's impressive run of seven straight league wins.
This hard-fought win marks the fourth consecutive league victory for the Glamour Boys, who at one point seemed destined for relegation.
The victory sees them catch four other teams on 28 points, though they remain in 17th place due to an inferior goal difference.
Dynamos, inspired by the home support, were on the front foot from the start against a star-studded Scottland side.
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Red-hot striker Tymon Machope gave Scottland the lead just before halftime, rising highest to glance home a Knowledge Musona freekick, beating goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa in the 39th minute.
The second half began with a bang.
Shadreck Nyahwa drew DeMbare level barely two minutes after the break, pouncing on a poorly cleared free-kick from Temptation Chiwunga to hook the ball into the net during a goalmouth scramble.
The match took on a life of its own moments later when youthful midfielder Vusa Ngwenya put Dynamos ahead around the hour mark, blasting home a rebound after Emmanuel Jalai cross was punched back into the midfielder’s path.
Just when it seemed Dynamos had the momentum, Machope secured his brace, heading home another perfectly weighted free-kick from Musona in the 72nd minute to level the scores once again.
It was his 12th goal of the season as he moved just one behind Washington Navaya in the race for the Golden Boot award
With the match seemingly headed for a draw, up stepped the much-loved Mukamba.
Rising from the bench, the game changer lived up to his reputation, connecting with a sweet volley from the edge of the box to send the Dynamos faithful into raptures and secure the winning goal with 10 minutes to go.
The goal was struck beautifully and appreciated by all, including Scottland owner Scott Sakupwanya, who rewarded his former star with $1 000 cash after the match.
Dynamos coach Kelvin Kaindu was full of praise for his team’s character.
“It’s a good win for us. The team showed a lot of character and determination,” he said. “We knew that when we give a chance to Denver, he is a game changer. He came in as a commander and gave us the winning goal. To beat a team like Scottland that has been winning continuously shows that we are slowly building confidence.”
A disappointed Scottland coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, admitted his team's performance was subpar.
“When you go on a winning streak, naturally, the bubble hits a turning point,” Ndiraya said.
“The defeat today is something we really anticipated but we never thought that it would come today.
“Today's performance was a bit flat, a bit casual. Dynamos were more hungry than us.”
Teams
Scottland XI: Shangiwa, P. Mudhuwa (M. Tapera 83'), G. Murwira, K. Moyo, K. Mureremba, M. Shidolo, W. Musona (M. Chiweta), K. Musona (K. Billiat 83'), T. Dzvukamanja, T. Machope, A. Manenji.
Dynamos XI: P. Tafiremutsa, E. Jalai, A. Gwatidzo, T. Magwaza, C. Mandivei, T. Chiwunga (D. Mukamba 63'), V. Ngwenya, S. Nyahwa, W. Mutasa (E. Perezo Jr 63'), J. Kasondo (F. Hammond 88'), L. Mavunga (K. Madera 88').
