Dynamos held again

Herental 2 - 2 Dynamos
GHANAIAN forward Frank Agyemang scored the fastest goal of the Castle Lager Premiership season after just 17 seconds, but Dynamos were once again left frustrated after surrendering a late lead in a 2-2 draw against Herentals at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.

The Glamour Boys looked set to end their winless run after twice taking the lead, only to concede in the dying moments for the second consecutive match following last weekend's derby defeat to CAPS United.

Agyemang gave Dynamos the perfect start with a stunning early strike that caught Herentals cold and set a new benchmark for the quickest goal of the campaign.

The Ghanaian forward was influential throughout the match and later provided the assist for Jairos Kasondo's goal shortly after the restart to restore Dynamos' advantage.

However, defensive lapses once again proved costly for DeMbare.

Dreamer Liyeto had cancelled Dynamos' opener midway through the first half before Kasondo restored the hosts' lead early in the second stanza.

Dynamos appeared on course for maximum points, but veteran utility player Ralph Kawondera rescued a point for the Students with a powerful low strike deep into stoppage time.

The goal also saw Kawondera reclaim top spot on the league's scoring charts.

The result extends Dynamos' poor run, with the Harare giants now winless in their last six matches and managing just four points from a possible 18.

Coach Genesis Mangombe, who made five changes to the side that lost 2-1 to CAPS United in the Harare Derby, admitted his team's defending remains a major concern.

"We played according to our plan but at the same time we are found wanting and conceding goals of the same type each and every game, which I think we need to work very hard and improve on defending some goals from crosses and also corner kicks," said Mangombe.

"But overall, I like the way the team played, given that we have several changes in the team and also managing to score two goals.

"Those are the positives we are looking into and also we will try and take them forward, then try to rectify our defending as well."

Dynamos goalkeeper Harmony Nare produced a brilliant point-blank save midway through the second half to deny Lot Chiunga and preserve his side's lead temporarily.

But Herentals continued pressing and eventually found the equaliser through captain Kawondera, who had started the match at centre-back before moving into attack in the closing stages.

Herentals coach Paul Benza praised his players for fighting back against one of the country's biggest clubs.

"We are happy with the result because we played against a big team with many supporters. So, coming from behind and claiming a point, was fantastic from our side," said Benza.

"We knew that Dynamos was going to come at us because for the past five games they haven't been picking up positive results, so we knew that it was not going to be an easy result.

"But, firstly, our tactical approach was to try and get an early goal, but unfortunately it backfired and they were the ones who got that early goal."


Teams:

Herentals: Tinotendaishe Takarinda, Brighton Majarira, Dreamer Liyeto, Tinashe Mupumha, Elasto Chigora (Lot Chiunga, 46th min), Blessing Phiri, Prince Mahembe, Ralph Kawondera, Tinashe Mazambani, Wilmore Chimbetu, Innocent Benza (Milton Chimedza, 46th min)

Dynamos: Harmony Nare, Hastings Chapusha, Wisdom Mutasa (Stanley Billiat, 67th min), Tellmore Pio, Jairos Kasondo (Moses Demera, 86th min), Leeroy Mavunga (Witness Shave, 67th min), Frank Agyemang, Abel Gwatidzo, Christopher Netty, Isaac Landu (Collen Mujuru, 68th min)