OSCAR Machapa marked his return to the Harare Derby by scoring a goal of supreme quality – struck with power, flair and finesse before a full house at Rufaro Stadium yesterday as champions Dynamos maintained their dominance over bitter rivals Caps United in an ill -tempered Castle Lager Premiership match.
REPORT BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA Dynamos . . . . . . . . (1) 1 Caps United . . . . . . . .0
The former Caps United and Moroka Swallows defender, who joined the Glamour Boys from South Africa in July, rounded off his marker on the right flank and cut into the danger zone before unleashing a rasping shot with his left foot to the far left corner of the post leaving goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube clutching thin air.
Rufaro rose in acknowledgement of a great piece of technique which decided the 71st edition of the Harare derby.
Dynamos coach Kalisto Pasuwa showered Machapa with praises in a post-match interview. “Oscar is a utility player, very comfortable on the ball and he scored a gem of a goal. I am proud of him, but the most important thing is we have collected all the three points. Like they always do, Caps were stronger in the second half, but I am happy we got all the points,” Pasuwa said.
Machapa said: “I am happy that I scored the winning goal for Dynamos especially in this derby. It’s a bonus for me because I am playing as a defender, but I am happy we defeated Caps United. I can’t really explain how I got that goal.
“It just happened. My left foot is stronger than the right. I injured my right foot some two years ago and I started to use my left foot more often.” Caps United coach Taurai Mangwiro also spoke glowingly about Machapa’s goal, but complained about the three minutes added time by Midlands referee Thomas Masaa.
“We couldn’t secure a win again. We continue to sing the blues, but we won’t despair. We didn’t start well, but we were stronger in the second half. Unfortunately, we couldn’t score. Credit to Oscar.
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“His goal was well executed, but I think there should be improvement in the way these games are handled because these guys were buying time, but only three minutes were added. They should have added more minutes. It insults the fans. I don’t mind losing fairly,” Mangwiro said looking dejected and downcast.
There were however, disturbing scenes of hooliganism as frustrated Caps United fans, failing to stomach the impending defeat, threw missiles onto the pitch at the end of the match as the referee stopped play to attend to Clive Kawinga who had been injured in an-off-the-ball incident.
The win by Dynamos saw them maintaining their dominance over Caps United who have not won against them since 2009. It also marked the end of Caps United’s unbeaten run having gone for a ten-match winning streak.
The champions, who lead the league table now have 41 points while Caps United remain on 35 points with just nine matches before the season ends.
The champions started strongly – carving out good chances, but were let down by poor finishing with Washington Pakamisa the chief culprit.
The former Caps United man was guilty of missing a headed opportunity in the sixth minute which could have put his team into the lead. Caps United also had good chances in the first half despite playing second fiddle with Hardlife Zvirekwi coming close on 18 minutes.
In the second half, Caps United took control as Dynamos appeared content with defending their lead and Dominic Chungwa missed another headed opportunity on 51 minutes.
Teams: Dynamos: G Chigova, O Machapa, O Mushure, G Bello, P Jaure, S Alimenda, B Zirintusa (M Murape 76th min), T Muparati, R Madamombe, C Sekete (T Mabvura 86th min), W Pakamisa (C Kawinga 61st min),
Caps United: T Dube, T Khumbuyani, R Pfumbidzai, M Muchenje, S Matuka, T Samanja, T Munyanduri, B Maglas (T Muskwe 54th min), D Chungwa (H Muchiso 54th min), H Zvirekwi, T Nyamandwe (L Fiyado).
Results
Yesterday: Dynamos 1-0 Caps United, How Mine 1-0 Highlanders, FC Platinum 2-0 Monomotapa, Triangle 2-2 Harare City Saturday: Chicken Inn 2-1 Black Rhinos, Tripple B 1-1 Hwange, Shabanie Mine 1-1 Motor Action 1 Today: Black Mambas vs Buffaloes (Morris Depot, live on Supersport 9)
