DYNAMOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
BULAWAYO CHIEFS . . . . . 0
The post-Genesis Mangombe era at Dynamos began with frustration rather than celebration as the Harare giants squandered a host of chances to settle for a drab goalless draw against a resilient Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.
The result capped a turbulent week for the Glamour Boys, who are grappling with off-field upheaval following Mangombe's suspension over allegations that include match-fixing and insubordination. Team manager Ronald Sibanda took charge on an interim basis, while newly appointed Romanian coach Aristica Cioaba watched from the stands as he awaits a work permit.
The stalemate leaves Dynamos seventh on the Premier Soccer League table with 31 points, 12 behind leaders Scottland after 20 matches, while Chiefs climbed to 12th on 21 points, five clear of the relegation zone.
The turmoil appeared to weigh heavily on the hosts during a sluggish first half.
For a side that has prided itself on expansive, free-scoring football this season, Dynamos appeared entirely devoid of creative spark, failing to pierce a disciplined low block deployed by the visitors.
It marked the first time in 10 matches that the Glamour Boys failed to find the back of the net, ending a prolific run that had yielded 18 goals at an average of 1.8 per game since their last blank against ZPC Kariba on April 26.
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Following a drab opening 45 minutes in which neither side registered a shot on target, Sibanda’s interval team talk appeared to jolt his players into life.
Dynamos emerged for the second period with renewed vigour, yet their clinical edge deserted them entirely.
Moses Demera came closest early on, forcing a spectacular fingertip save from the Chiefs' goalkeeper with a dipping, long-range free-kick.
At the other end, Jairosi Kasondo's misplaced pass gifted Arthur "Diego" Musiiwa a chance on the counter, but goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni produced a smart save to keep the scores level.
The hosts then wasted a succession of golden opportunities.
Kasondo somehow fired wide with an empty net at his mercy after the Chiefs goalkeeper mishandled a clearance in the 69th minute.
Moments later, Frank Agyemang delivered an inviting cross across the face of goal, but neither Kasondo nor Perfect Chikwende could provide the finishing touch.
Substitute Elton Njini also failed to capitalise, shooting wide before heading over from close range.
Chiefs nearly snatched victory on the break when Clive Rupiya burst clear, only to drag his effort narrowly wide.
Dynamos still had one final chance deep into stoppage time, but Wisdom Mutasa blasted over after being picked out by Kasondo inside the penalty area.
The final whistle triggered an immediate outpouring of vitriol from the terraces. Incensed by the profligacy on display and the administrative chaos upstairs, the home supporters directed their anger squarely at the club’s hierarchy; breaking into the poignant song, Ndimi makauraya, hazvina mhosva pahukama (You are the ones responsible for destabilising the team).
As a section of the support began picketing the main exit point, police were forced to intervene to restore order.
Despite the result, interim coach Sibanda remained upbeat.
"I thought we played better in the second half,” the former Warriors midfielder insisted. "We could have scored two or three goals. We had two clear-cut chances, but that's football for you. You can miss some and sometimes score. You saw the chances we created. On another day, we could have buried those chances. The goals haven't dried, they'll come. They'll surely come."
He acknowledged the supporters' frustration.
"I know this isn't what they expected. We tried everything we could, but it didn't come right. It's not the end of the world. Yes, we couldn't score for the first time in a long time, and when you're used to getting those goals week in, week out, it's different. Today we didn't get the goals, but like I said, the goals are coming. I'm sure about that."
Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino praised his side's defensive discipline after securing a valuable point, with right-back Panashe Shoko earning the Man of the Match award for nullifying Agyemang's threat.
"We stuck to our game plan... I'm very much happy with the way that we defended, we wanted to catch them on the counter," a delighted Nyikadzino said.
"We got some chances that I feel with a bit of luck we could have utilised today. But overall I'm happy, very much happy with the performance of my players... the energy level, the energy output, very much impressed, I'm happy. This is good for us after we lost to Dynamos 2-0 at home in the reverse fixture. Today we managed to get a draw, so we take the point back home."
