Chicken Inn ends Dynamos' unbeaten run

Chicken Inn 2-1 Dynamos

Dynamos FC' unbeaten league run came to an end after a 2-1 defeat to Chicken Inn FC in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.

Just like last season, it was the Gamecocks who halted DeMbare's momentum, with Rahim Katinji scoring a brace to secure victory.

Chicken Inn, coming into the match on the back of two consecutive defeats, started brightly and took the lead in the 11th minute when Katinji reacted quickest in the box following a scramble.

Dynamos, under coach Genesis Mangombe, struggled to find rhythm early on but gradually grew into the game. Shadreck Nyahwa nearly equalised with an acrobatic effort, while Perfect Chikwende also missed a chance as the visitors pressed forward.

The equaliser eventually came in the 34th minute when Moses Demera capitalised on a long throw from Christopher Netty to slot home from close range.

However, Dynamos' joy was short-lived. Five minutes later, Temptation Chiwunga delivered a dangerous free-kick which Katinji headed in to restore Chicken Inn's lead - a goal that ultimately proved decisive.

In the second half, Dynamos pushed for an equaliser but lacked cutting edge. Collins Mujuru nearly turned the ball into his own net, while missed chances from Hapmo and others summed up a frustrating afternoon. Goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni kept them in contention with a strong save to deny Brendon Rendo.

Chicken Inn held firm under pressure, ensuring Dynamos' unbeaten streak — which dated back to July 2025 — was brought to an end.

After the match, Mangombe admitted his side made costly mistakes.

"It was a difficult game but in the first half we started on a bad note, we were slow in our build-up and we invited our opponents into our own half. We created avoidable mistakes in our own half and we conceded from those. We need to improve when we play games like this. Overall, there were positives in terms of chances created and equalising, which shows we can also score goals," he said.

Chicken Inn coach Tonderayi Ndiraya expressed relief after his team bounced back from recent setbacks.

"It was a difficult week for us and I am glad the players came to the party. It was a very difficult game but we managed to get over the line. In the first half we were slow in our build-up and we invited pressure, but we corrected that. Overall, I am happy that we managed to win," he said.