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Dynamos’ Mushure Ocean sinks Bosso

Sport
The blockbuster clash between title rivals Highlanders and Dynamos matched every last drop

Highlanders . . . . . . . . . 0 – Dynamos . . . . . . . . (0) 1. The blockbuster clash between title rivals Highlanders and Dynamos matched every last drop of expectation both in quality and entertainment, but it ended on a sad note for Bosso who failed once again to beat the champions.

Report by Sukoluhle Mthethwa

Dynamos shot back to the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League following the narrow, but hugely important win in the incident-filled match. Ocean Mushure converted a penalty kick for the defending champions four minutes from time to send the DeMbare supporters into delirium as their team edged closer to their third title on the trot.

Dembare were awarded a penalty in the 86th minute when Bosso midfielder Mthulisi Maphosa hacked down Mushure in the penalty box. Mushure took responsibility and beat a diving Highlanders goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya.

The match produced the intensity expected in such a high profile and important match and it came as no big surprise when both teams had to finish the game a man down following the expulsion of Highlanders striker Njabulo “Tshiki” Ncube and Dynamos defender Partson Jaure in the 30 minute by referee Thabani Bhamala.

Dynamos captain Murape Murape was sacrificed for defender Victor Kamhuka to plug the hole left by Jaure.

DeMbare moved to the top of the table with 48 points from 26 games while Highlanders trail by a point.

Dembare coach Kalisto Pasuwa was happy with the result although he bemoaned the officiating.

“The games was disturbed by officiating, most of his (referee) decisions were against us,” said Pasuwa. “The referee was working against us in every decision. The red card was one of the bad decisions by the referee because it was Njabulo Ncube retaliating and he also gave Partson Jaure the red card. We had to make a decision to ensure cover in our central defence. Regarding the championship race, we will take each game as it comes, we are not getting carried away,” he said. Highlanders’ assistant coach Bekithemba Ndlovu lamented missed chances.

“The game was OK, we played well, we missed a lot of chances. They did not create much, they did not even get a corner kick. They got a penalty, I guess sometimes we have to learn the hard way. We did everything right except to score, everyone was committed except the fact that we were missing chances. Regarding the penalty, I did not get a clear view, but we have to go by the referee’s decision. The loss does not affect the championship campaign, it’s our job to go all out and get good results. The referees tried their best. It was a big game. By the grace of God one day we will beat Dynamos” he said.

Highlanders dominated the game in the early stages and Mushure was called on to clear Bhekimpilo Ncube’s dangerous cross in the seventh minute. A minute later Bhekimpilo Ncube got a chance, but he headed over bar a Bruce Kangwa cross.

Njabulo Ncube and Partson Jaure had both played well before they were sent for an early shower when the former retaliated for a foul from the steady defender. The match had to be stopped while the referee and his assistants cooled flaring tempers. Jaure had to be restrained by his teammates as he charged at the referees for dismissing him.

The match only resumed after three minutes of heated debate and commotion.

Dynamos held on to the solitary goal with goalkeeper George Chigova playing a central role in time-wasting which riled the Highlanders supporters who threw missiles onto the pitch.

Teams

Highlanders M Diya, I Mapuranga ( H Madzivanyika 80th minute), E Mudzingwa, D Ndlovu, M Maphosa, B Kangwa, P Moyo, M Mambare ( B Chikaka 65th minute), B Ncube ( G Nyoni 53rd minute) , M Ncube, N Ncube (redcard 30th minute) Dynamos G Chigova, G Bello, P Jaure (redcard 30th minute), O Mushure, O Machapa, S Alimenda, B Zirintusa (S Sithole 80TH minute), M Murape (V Kamhuka 34th minute), T Muparati, W Pakamisa, P Kumbula (C Sekete (57th minute)