Dynamos .....................(1)2
Ngezi Platinum Stars ..(1)1
Harare giants Dynamos produced a masterclass in resilience yesterday afternoon, becoming the first team to defeat Ngezi Platinum Stars in the current Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory at a rocking Rufaro Stadium.
Before yesterday's clash, Ngezi Platinum Stars were the only remaining team in the top flight without a single defeat, having gone an incredible 14 matches unbeaten. However, their streak came to a grinding halt in their 15th game at the hands of a determined Glamour Boys side.
Despite the loss, Ngezi remain in third place on the log with 26 points from 15 matches. Dynamos also maintain their sixth-place position with 24 points, though they hold a crucial game in hand over their rivals.
Dynamos found themselves in early trouble when Ngezi Platinum Stars' Praise Machengeta opened the scoring in just the seventh minute, silencing the home crowd and leaving the Harare giants chasing the game.
DeMbare refused to let the early setback define their afternoon. They began asking questions of the Ngezi defense, and their efforts paid off in the 29th minute.
Abel Gwatidzo made a brilliant, penetrating run to meet a cross with a stunning volley, restoring parity for the hosts. Gwatidzo’s brilliant overall performance eventually earned him the Man of the Match award.
While the teams went into the break level at 1-1, Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe knew he needed an extra spark to break the deadlock in the second half. His answer came in the 53rd minute when he introduced forward Moses Demera.
It proved to be a tactical masterstroke. Just 17 minutes after stepping onto the pitch, Demera became the hero of the afternoon. In the 70th minute, he delivered the decisive blow, finding the back of the net to give Dynamos the lead for the first time in the match. The DeMbare faithful erupted as the Glamour Boys successfully held on to secure a memorable victory.
Reflecting on the victory, Mangombe expressed immense satisfaction, particularly because his team was returning to their home ground after an abandoned away fixture at Chahwanda Stadium the previous week.
"It's a very good result considering we were playing at home, coming from that game at Chahwanda last week,” he said.
“We wanted to capitalise so that we get three points. I'm happy with the way the team played overall. We managed to retain our lines since the opponents were trying to catch us off from those transitions, especially counter-attacks.
“Coming from behind is very important, given that the opponents were doing very well in terms of attacking."
On the other side, Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva conceded that the psychological burden of maintaining an unbeaten record had finally caught up with his squad.
"It was one of those results which we never expected today, but it came as a result of pressure that we have been having by being the only team yet to taste defeat in the league,” he said.
“But the boys started very well, getting an early goal, but we did not manage to defend that goal and allowed Dynamos back into the game in the first half. I also think that a lot of defensive mistakes cost us the match."