HERENTALS . . . . . . . . (1) 2
DYNAMOS . . . . . . . . . . (1) 2
THE walls appear to be closing in on Dynamos head coach, Genesis Mangombe, after his side was held to a dramatic draw by Herentals at Rufaro Stadium, extending their winless run to six matches.
In a chaotic, high-stakes encounter, the Harare giants twice surrendered their lead as Herentals fought back to secure a point that felt like a win for the hosts.
The match exploded into life almost immediately, with Frank Agyemang scoring after just 18 seconds. He pounced on a loose ball from a deflected clearance and slotted past goalkeeper Tinotendaishe Takarinda, in what is likely the fastest goal of the season.
For a brief moment, it seemed the gloom surrounding DeMbare had lifted.
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But the lead did not last.
Goalkeeper Hamorny Nare was again at fault when he failed to deal with a corner in the 15th minute, allowing Dreamer Liyeto to sneak in at the back post and head home the equaliser.
Dynamos restored their advantage straight after the break, with Agyemang once again at the centre of the action. He beat his marker near halfway, surged down the flank, and delivered a cross for Jairosi Kasondo to finish for his sixth goal of the season.
Despite leading, Dynamos failed to kill off the game. Leeroy Mavunga wasted a clear opportunity after going down in the box, while Anotida Gwatidzo hesitated with only the goalkeeper to beat. Substitute Witness Shave also missed two key chances, first failing to pick out Kasondo and later firing over.
As the match approached full- time, Herentals struck again. Defender Ralph Kawondera, pushed forward in attack, latched onto a cross from Liyeto and calmly finished into the bottom corner against his former club.
The equaliser sparked mixed scenes, coming shortly after police had to restore order when frustrated Dynamos fans threw missiles onto the pitch during the first half.
Mangombe admitted after the match that the result was “painful” and blamed his side’s lack of maturity in closing out games, saying pressure is beginning to affect decision-making.
In contrast, Herentals coach Celestino Benza was jubilant, describing the result as a "win" for his side. The point keeps The Students in sixth place, one point above seventh-placed Dynamos.
Herentals extended their unbeaten run to six matches, while Dynamos remain stuck in a slump of draws and narrow defeats that continues to damage their title ambitions.