DYNAMOS coach David Mandigora was subjected to verbal abuse by a section of the team’s supporters as Tsholotsho laid an ambush on the champions in a goalless Castle Lager Premiership football match at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.
BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA Dynamos . . . . . . . . .0 Tsholotsho . . . . . 0
Mandigora was booed at halftime and at the end of the match by the fans after an incoherent performance.
The coach seemed to be aware of Tsholotsho’s potential as he withdrew goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva and defender Blessing Moyo from the Under-23 side that played Swaziland on Sunday, but still failed to manufacture a win.
There were frustrations on the pitch and in the stands as the defending champions struggled to break the resistance of a stubborn Tsholotsho, whose last trip to the capital ended in a 1-0 win over Harare City for the Matabeleland North boys.
Dynamos came into the match seeking to retain pole position on the log standings, but were left stunned by Tsholotsho who gave everything, as they matched their opponents blow by blow.
With the draw, Dynamos moved one step up the ladder to third with 21 points, two behind leaders Chicken Inn.
Tsholotsho, battling for survival, moved into position 13 with 10 points from 11 matches.
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Dynamos had a chance to go top, or at least second, after Chicken Inn lost 1-0 to Hwange at the Colliery on Saturday.
The Harare giants were, however, left fuming after a late goal by substitute Patrick Khumbula was ruled for offside by referee Thomas Massa.
And the failure to collect maximum points at home left Mandigora a disappointed man.
“I understand the reaction of the fans to this result. It is because we are not playing well at home and what we need to do is just to work hard and improve,” Mandigora said.
Tsholotsho coach Lizwe Sweswe said they actually came to Harare seeking a victory.
“We came here expecting to win the match. We created a good number of chances, but we couldn’t score. It’s a tough season for us. We are a new team in the PSL and our aim is to expose the youngsters this season. Surviving relegation is my aim,” Sweswe said.
Dynamos started slowly with Tsholotsho carving out good chances.
Nixon Gama and Simbarashe Gorogodyo came close in the first 10 minutes of the match, while Kelvin Bulaji missed a headed opportunity on 14 minutes from a corner by Ocean Mushure.
In the 29th minute, Mushure came close with a stunning free kick near the penalty area before another speculative shot drew a fine save from goalkeeper Chang Mariyoni.
Mandigora then pulled off Erick Opoku in the second half bringing in Cliff Sekete.
As the goals became stubbornly elusive, he pulled off Dominic Chungwa in the 60th minute, introducing Farai Mupasiri.
As frustration appeared to take its toll, Mandigora threw in Khumbula for Oscar Machapa on 78 minutes.
It appeared almost paid dividend as Khumbula had the ball in the back of the net eight minutes from full time with his first touch after tapping in a cross from Bulaji, but the effort was ruled for offside.
Teams
Dynamos: T Mukuruva, B Moyo, S Linyama, A Mbara, O Mushure, M Makopa, E Opoku (C Sekete 49th), M Mambare, K Bulaji, D Chungwa (F Mupasiri 60th), O Machapa (P Khumbula 78th)
Tsholotsho: M Chang, M Phiri, N Moyo, D Dzvinyai, T Ncube, B Ncube, O Ncube, S Gorogodyo, K Machazane, N Gama (L Chikuhwa 63rd), W Stima.
