MANICA DIAMONDS . . . . .1(2)
DYNAMOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0(2)
REFEREE Quedisani Dirwai found himself at the centre of controversy during an entertaining Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter between Manica Diamonds and Dynamos that ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw at a packed Sakubva Stadium yesterday.
Dirwai endured what many observers described as a difficult afternoon, making several questionable decisions that left players, coaches and supporters from both sides frustrated.
The highly anticipated fixture exploded into life from the opening whistle. Just three minutes into the match, Dynamos striker Wisdom Mutasa forced Manica Diamonds goalkeeper Gidfrey Chitsumba into a save with a well-struck free-kick that was parried away for a corner.
Moments later, Dynamos’ Leeroy Mavhunga was left stunned after missing an open goal following a brilliant run that saw him weave past a cluster of Manica Diamonds defenders.
The hosts eventually broke the deadlock in the 26th minute. A well-delivered corner from Charles Teguru caused panic inside the Dynamos penalty area before Manica Diamonds midfielder Russel Kahiki capitalised on the ensuing goalmouth melee to make it 1-0.
Five minutes later, controversy struck. Charles Teguru appeared to have doubled the lead with a magnificent curling free-kick. Referee Quedisani Dirwai initially pointed to the centre circle, signalling a goal, but then reversed his decision moments later, ruling that there had been an infringement on Dynamos goalkeeper Finia Nfor. The decision left the home crowd furious.
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The second half started cautiously before Dynamos drew level in the 53rd minute. Perfect Chikwende delivered an inviting cross which Frank Agyemang calmly tapped home to make it 1-1.
Manica Diamonds players protested vehemently, arguing that defender Mark Fodya had been fouled in the build-up. However, Dirwai waved away their appeals and allowed the goal to stand.
Dynamos completed the turnaround in the 60th minute when former Manica Diamonds player Moses Demera haunted his old club by powering home a header from a pinpoint cross supplied by Witness Shave.
With time running out, Manica Diamonds pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time. In the 94th minute, the lively Charles Teguru embarked on a dazzling run down the left flank before unleashing a fierce far-post shot that beat goalkeeper Finia Nfor and sent the Sakubva faithful into wild celebrations.
After the match, Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe felt his side had let victory slip through their fingers.
“This was one of the easiest games that we could have won by three goals or more, but we failed in the execution. We were not perfect in front of goal. We are getting there as a team, but I am not happy with how we conceded from a set piece. I also don’t know why there were eight minutes added as injury time. However, it is a game of football, and we should have drawn the lines before,” Mangombe said.
Manica Diamonds coach Patrick Mandizha praised his players for their resilience.
“I am very happy with the result and the performance. The boys showed character in the second half when we were down 2-1. I am happy that we equalised. Tactically, both teams played very well and utilised the chances that came their way,” he said.
Teguru capped a memorable afternoon by being voted the LuckyBet Player of the Match.
