Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 2
GreenFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0
MANY people thought Kelvin Kaindu was out of his mind when he took up the unenviable task of saving the sinking giants Dynamos from relegation.
However, the Zambian coach, who was recently discarded by fellow giants Highlanders, appears to be working magic at DeMbare after leading the Glamour Boys to three straight wins, including Sunday’s crucial win against fellow relegation fighters GreenFuel at Rufaro.
In fact, Dynamos have now stringed together five wins in their last five matches, factoring in the Chibuku Super Cup victories over Yadah and Simba Bhora.
The Glamour Boys yesterday returned from the half-time break a changed side and scored twice, thanks to in-form striker Jaison Kasondo in the 49th minute and a 57th-minute penalty conversion by Temptation Chiwunga.
Fan favourite Denver Mukamba also wooed the DeMbare faithful after he was introduced late on, as DeMbare recovered from a difficult first half to claim maximum points.
Mukamba could have added his name to the scoresheet but was denied by the upright from a bending free-kick taken from a distance.
DeMbare coach Kaindu showered his team with praises, although he was not entirely impressed by yesterday’s performance.
“I give credit to the team for us to pick up maximum points and score two goals which was not evident I think when the season started.
“It shows that we have improved overall play, but I think this was an average performance from the team and I think even in our planning we knew that today’s game was going to be very difficult for us and this is what happened,” said Kaindu.
“For us to have gone back at half-time 0-0 is just by God’s grace but in the second half we came up a bit strong, we managed to score two goal.
“Maybe with a bit of luck we could have scored the third goal but I appreciate and thank the team for the character that they have shown because this was not an easy game for us to play today.”
He was correct.
GreenFuel had the better of the exchanges early on with Blessing Kagudu, Garikai Dematsika and Tinotenda Meke more prominent.
Dynamos goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa stretched full length and prodded out a ferocious grounder from Clive Rupiya after 33 minutes.
So, it was goalless at half-time.
But the script changed soon after the restart when Kasondo found himself at the right place and nodded home the opener after taking advantage of goalkeeper Tatenda Chikowero’s blunder.
Chikowero, back pedalling a bit to position himself after a free-kick had been flighted across his goal, lost his footing when trying to deal with the aerial ball that had been turned back into play by Tendaishe Magwaza at the back post in the 49th minute. Kasondo had the easy task of heading the ball into the back of the nets, unmarked to invite frenzied celebrations from the DeMbare fans.
Before the dust had settled, Dynamos had an opportunity to double their lead when GreenFuel captain Honest Moyo handled the ball inside the box after he went down in a desperate attempt to block an effort by substitute Keith Madera.
Midfielder Chiwunga stepped up and beat the goalkeeper from the spot in the 57th minute and the Vietnam stand erupted again. With the momentum swung in DeMbare’s favour, Kasondo tried his luck from a distance with a powerful shot that forced a spill from the keeper Chikowero but the GreenFuel defenders were quick to deal with the danger.
Glamour Boys coach Kaindu made a triple substitution midway through the second half bringing in DeMbare’s man-of-the-moment Mukamba in the process.
Mukamba’s first touch was threatening but he lost balance and fell inside the box as he prepared to shoot after turning his markers.
Then moments later he was denied by the upright from a low free-kick taken from a distance. The win helped the Glamour Boys close the gap between them and the team occupying the last position of safety to just three points.
Dynamos, however, still sit in 17th place, second from bottom, despite taking their points tally to 25 points.
GreenFuel dropped to 16th place and have 27 points in the bag going into the last eight games of the season.
GreenFuel assistant coach Godfrey Tamirepi felt his team paid for their mistakes in the second half but remained hopeful of the Ethanol Boys’ survival, despite sliding deeper into relegation.
“The loss of concentration in the second half contributed to this defeat. But we are hopeful. The way we are playing isn’t bad but we have to continue working hard,” said Tamirepi.
Teams:
Dynamos: Prince Tafiremutsa, Emmanuel Jalai, Abel Gwatidzo, Tendaishe Magwaza, Clive Mandivei, Tellmore Pio (R. Chingwara, 66th min), Temptation Chiwunga (D. Mukamba, 66th min), Vusa Ngwenya, Wisdom Mutasa (E. Perezo, 66th min), Jairos Kasondo (Mavhunga, 90th min), Valentine Kadonzvo (K. Madera, 46th min)
GreenFuel: Tatenda Chikowero, Reginald Chinemo, Honest Moyo, Collin Mujuru, Blessing Kagudu, Rodwell Chinyengetere (N. Takawira, 67th min) Garikai Dematsika, Tinotenda Meke, Harrison Masina (N. Mutinha, 79th min), Perfect Chikwende (W. Mapuwa, 79th min), Clive Rupiya (C. Ngwende, 56th min)
SOURCE: THE HERALD
