DYNAMOS coach Genesis Mangombe feels some of his players lacked match maturity after his side surrendered a hard-earned point in the dying embers of a frantic Harare derby against Caps United at a packed Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.
With seven players in his starting line-up making their Harare derby debut, the Glamour Boys’ inexperience was exposed as they failed to manage the game’s final moments, eventually conceding a stoppage-time penalty to lose 2-1 to their fiercest rivals.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for Mangombe, who believed his players allowed the magnitude of the occasion to cloud their judgment when it mattered most.
The match appeared to be heading for a hard-fought 1-1 draw after Dynamos forward Jairosi Kasondo calmly converted an 82nd-minute penalty to cancel out Ishmael Wadi’s 10th-minute header.
However, the script took a final twist deep into stoppage time when Ghanaian defender Christopher Nettey was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area during a chaotic defensive scramble.
Despite Nettey’s heated protests that he had been fouled before losing control, referee Brighton Chimene stood firm. Kudzai Chigwida stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, handing Caps United the three points and city bragging rights.
Keep Reading
- Panashe Mutasa comes of age at Tenax FC
- Dynamos back to winning ways
- Ndiraya backs Antonio to impress in Belgium
- Artists struggling to grasp intellectual property rights
Reflecting on the collapse, a dejected Mangombe pointed to a lack of mental fortitude in his squad.
“I’m happy with the response to situations in the field of play by the players. For instance, coming from behind and managing to equalise. But at this level, I just thought we lacked the concentration and maturity to make sure that, if we were not going to win, it was going to be a share of spoils,” Mangombe said.
He added that Caps United showed greater resilience in the closing stages.
“Caps United also thought it would finish as a draw, but they kept pushing until the final minute and got that penalty. They showed character,” he said.
“For us, we lacked that maturity to clear our lines in the last minute so that, if it was difficult, it was going to be a draw. Some of the boys had pressure, but I don’t see why there should be pressure in a derby because, as a player, you are already motivated.”
Mangombe’s tactical gamble in goal also came under scrutiny.
The decision to start former Hwange goalkeeper Harmony Nare ahead of first-choice Tatenda Makoni backfired early when Nare misjudged a corner, allowing Wadi a free header for the opener.
He later made another costly error from a corner but was spared when the referee ruled a foul in the buildup to a second potential goal.
While Nare redeemed himself with several key saves later in the match, his command of the area remained a concern.
“He did well, but there are critical situations where we expect a goalkeeper not to miss, like the corner kick that led to the goal,” Mangombe said.
“We should have cleared our lines, especially with the goalkeeper having hands and height to deal with the ball. He made some crucial saves, but he must work on cutting crosses going forward.”
The defeat stretched Dynamos’ winless run to five matches and saw them miss out on a luxury team bus promised by businessman Wicknell Chivayo for victory.
Despite the setback, Mangombe remains hopeful his side can recover.
“I’m not happy with the results, but we are scoring goals. That means we now need to focus on defending,” he said. “We need to rectify our mistakes and start collecting maximum points, starting with the midweek fixture.”
Off the pitch, the derby was a financial success.
The Premier Soccer League confirmed that 25 054 paying fans packed Rufaro Stadium, with tickets starting at US$5, marking one of the highest league attendances in recent memory.
Dynamos may have lost points and rewards, but the Harare derby once again proved its enduring pull as the heartbeat of local football.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matchday twelve fixtures.
Tomorrow: Agama v Scottland (Wadzanayi), Caps United v Mwos (Rufaro), Ngezi Platinum Stars v TelOne (Baobab), Hardrock v Highlanders (Chahwanda), ZPC Kariba v FC Platinum (Nyamhunga), Manica Diamonds v Hunters (Sakubva), Chicken Inn v Simba Bhora (Barbourfields), Triangle v Bulawayo Chiefs (Gibbo).
Thursday: Herentals v Dynamos (Rufaro).