AGAMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
DYNAMOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(0) 1
DYNAMOS needed a contentious late penalty to avoid an embarrassment yesterday, crawling away from Wadzanayi Stadium with a point after being pushed to the precipice by a fearless, winless Agama side.
In what threatened to become the biggest Castle Lager Premier Soccer League upset so far, the promoted outfit — who had lost every single game since entering the topflight — looked set to claim the scalp of the Harare giants.
But as the clock ticked toward a historic humiliation, a handball decision handed DeMbare a lifeline they scarcely deserved.
The form book was upended midway through the first half when Cain Mashonganyika rose highest to head home the opener, perfectly connecting with an inviting corner from Emmanuel Chambara, silencing the travelling supporters.
Dynamos struggled to find their rhythm for much of the match, but were handed a way back in the 80th minute.
Following a chaotic melee in the box during a free-kick, the referee pointed to the spot for a handball. Agama players protested vehemently, but the decision stood. Once the dust settled, Jairos Kasondo calmly stepped up to slot home his third goal in four matches, sparing Dynamos’ blushes.
- 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
Keep Reading
Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe later blamed a ‘heavy’ pitch for a lacklustre performance, though for long stretches, his players were simply outfought.
Mangombe also pointed to a gruelling schedule, noting the fatigue from a midweek trip to Bulawayo before travelling to Shamva.
“It was a very difficult game and you see the pitch was also playing against us,” he said.
“It’s very heavy, so we failed to pass the ball around... we were forced to play long balls which was a disadvantage. Also, Agama wanted this more since they were playing at home.”
Conversely, Agama coach Mark Mathe was encouraged by his team’s ability to match the giants blow for blow.
“Our game plan worked very well,” Mathe said. “We matched them in physicality and competitiveness. On the balance of play, we should have won, but we’ve responded well to early-season struggles. We need to build on this”
Dynamos settled first into the game, but Agama’s Ralph Nyamupurika was a constant menace on the wings, repeatedly skinning the visitors’ right-back Christopher Nettey.
Before the opening goal, Dynamos keeper Addrissou Nfor produced a stunning tip-over from a stinging Chambara shot.
Stanley Billiat had a golden opportunity to equalise before the break when he was put through, but saw his shot blocked, while Kasondo failed to convert the rebound.
Gray Kufandada almost sealed it for Agama in the 79th minute, but his thunderous effort ricocheted off the crossbar — just 60 seconds before Dynamos won their penalty.
The final moments were frantic. In injury time, Agama thought they had snatched a winner when substitute Tinashe Balakasi’s shot was fumbled by substitute keeper Tatenda Makoni, who desperately clawed the ball away—possibly from behind the line—sparking furious protests from Agama players. The referee, however, remained unmoved, and the points were shared.
For Dynamos, it was a massive wake-up call. They head into the international break four points behind leaders Caps United, carrying more questions than answers after a narrow escape. Agama, meanwhile, were left to rue a historic victory that slipped through their fingers.
Teams
Agama: W Brown, S Philiso, H Kahanda, A Chiume, C Petros, B Chipanera, E Chambara, C Mashonganyika, G Kufandada (A Gundani, 88’), R Kumi (T Balakasi, 56’), R Nyamupurika (T Odzamoyo, 70’)
Dynamos: A Nfor (T Makoni, 75’), C Nettey (T Magwaza, 46’), C Mujuru, C Mandivei, A Gwatidzo (M Mlilo, 68’), S Nyahwa, T Pio, P Chikwende (W Shave, 46’), S Billiat (F Agyemang, 46’), L Mavunga (E Njini, 68’), J Kasondo
