Dynamos . . . . . . (0) 1 Black Mambas… (0)1
Black Mambas were unlucky to let a win slip through their hands when they allowed Dynamos to get an equaliser with only nine minutes to full time in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.
Brian Abasi Amidu, who just returned from Sweden for trials together with Archford Gutu, put Mambas in the lead in the 57th minute when he capitalised on a defence mix-up by George Magariro and Guthrie Zhokinyi to beat Washington Arubi for the opening goal.
Wonder Sithole, making a return from a long lay-off, equalised with a wonder goal to deny Mambas maximum points.
Mambas head coach John ‘Toto’ Ncube said they were unfortunate.
“We were unfortunate, but we played a good game as Abasi gave them a good run. It was a game plan that Abasi had to play a free role, and he played according to instruction,” he said.
Mutasa admitted that his ship had started to move but at a snail pace: “As much as we would like to quickly rise, we need to accept that we need time, things to happen gradually. A loss in a mid week encounter, a draw today, it means we are moving towards the right direction,” Mutasa said.
DeMbare also welcomed back Gutu and Denver Mukamba in their starting lineup, but again Cuthbert Malajila was nowhere to be seen.
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Gutu’s appearance however did little to inspire Dynamos and the fans were not even appeased as they questioned the wisdom of fielding him in the first place as he has been globetrotting for unsuccessful trials.
DeMbare are still in fourth position on the log despite adding another point to their tally while Mambas are still on fifth position from bottom.
Dynamos created numerous scoring chances in the first half but Martin Vengesayi, Farai Vimisayi and Rodrick Mutuma took turns to miss the target and at times Mambas goalkeeper Learnmore Jere was equal to the task.
On the quarter of an hour, Lovemore Maphuya had to thank his gods as he almost put DeMbare ahead through an own goal from a Bernard Benati corner kick. Mambas then settled down in the middle of the first half with Abasi tormenting the DeMbare defence at will.
However, DeMbare almost took the lead in the 36th minute after Vengesayi, Vimisayi and Mukamba exchanged passes in the Mambas box but Mukamba shot wide with the keeper to beat.
With only a minute to full time, forgotten striker Sebastian Mutizirwa capitilised on a defence mix-up but failed to beat Arubi.
Dynamos coach Lloyd Mutasa then pulled out the ineffective Vimisayi for Sithole at halftime.
After the breather Abasi put Mambas in the lead, but substitute Peter Kachirika could have added another one for Mambas in the 59th minute after roasting three defenders but fired over the bar.
The introduction of Nathan Ziwini in the 77th minute for Vengesayi changed the complexion of the game as DeMbare started making some fruitful movements. Sithole then restored order in the 81st minute when he beat the impressive Jere.
It was second half substitute Augustine Mbara who started the move and supplied the cross that was headed on by Mutuma onto the legs of the advancing Sithole who made no mistake.
