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Dembare fans boycott call flops
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Dynamos 1 - 1 CAPS Utd
Despite calls for a boycott in the lead-up to yesterday's Harare Derby, Rufaro Stadium saw a respectable crowd turn out for the heated clash between Dynamos and CAPS United.
However, Dynamos will count some losses off the pitch, as a noticeable section of their fans stayed away from the match, choosing instead to gather in Highfield. This division among supporters has raised questions about the club's unity, with many hoping the leadership will take urgent steps to bring their "family" back together.
On the field, the derby did not disappoint.
CAPS United midfielder Kundai Benyu stole the show with a stunning long-range strike that sealed a 1-1 draw and denied Dynamos a home victory. Benyu's venomous shot from outside the penalty box curled into the top corner, leaving Dynamos goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa with no chance.
The game had earlier seen Dynamos take the lead through their captain Emmanuel Jalai, who coolly converted a penalty just after the restart, following a handball in the box during a corner kick.
Benyu's equaliser was a goal worthy of the derby's grand stage, drawing comparisons to a recent spectacular strike by Ngezi Platinum Stars' Ashwin Karengesha. This goal added to a growing list of memorable strikes at Rufaro this season, alongside efforts by FC Platinum's Junior Selemani and Scotland's Michael Tapera.
Benyu's goal was the reward for his tireless midfield work, dominating the smaller Dynamos players throughout the match. CAPS United coach Ian Bakala praised the midfielder's sharp instincts and execution.
"We've been training him to shoot from those areas. He remembered that today and did the right thing. It's a positive sign for him and the whole team," Bakala said, expressing his delight at seeing Benyu score.
Despite the vibrant contest, the shadow of unrest lingered. Several Dynamos supporters had threatened to boycott the fixture over dissatisfaction with the club's management. Instead, a segment chose to welcome new coach Saul Chaminuka.
Chaminuka made some notable changes, handing defender Raymond Uchena a start - a move many questioned was long overdue given Dynamos' defensive struggles this season. Brandon Jerimani also impressed in central midfield, flanked by Tellmore Pio and Vusa Ngwenya.
The match was cagey, with few clear-cut chances. Dynamos' penalty was the clearest opening until Benyu's equaliser swung momentum back.
Towards the end, CAPS United captain Phineas Bamusi almost snatched a winner with a quick half-volley, but Tafiremutsa's alert fist denied him.
Reflecting on the draw, Dynamos coach Chaminuka was cautiously optimistic.
"It was a good game. The boys responded well and we planned carefully knowing their style. We had most of the answers except for one moment where we lost concentration," he said.
Currently third from bottom with nine points from 12 games, Chaminuka believes his team will improve.
"This was a good lesson. The players need to take instructions seriously. We'll keep working to be more convincing, especially in the final third where we took shots from too far out," he added.
CAPS United's Ian Bakala, now in his second game in charge, acknowledged progress despite their 15th place standing with 10 points from 12 matches.
"The players adapted quickly to the new system. It's not easy changing coaches, but they showed good signs today and we're working on all areas to improve," Bakala remarked.
As the season unfolds, both sides will look to build on the promise shown in this spirited derby, while Dynamos face the urgent task of mending fences with their disaffected fan base.
Teams:
Dynamos: Prince Tafiremutsa, Emmanuel Jalai, Abel Gwatidzo, Raymond Uchena, Shadreck Nyahwa, Brandon Jerimani (R. Chingwara, 81st min), Frank Agyemang, Valentine Kadonzvo (E. Perezo, 68th min), Vusa Ngwenya, Tellmore Pio, Leeroy Mavhunga (E. Chikona, 78th min)
CAPS Utd: Stephen Kwaku, Bruce Kangwa, Wesley Milanzi, Jimmy Dzingai, Tapiwa Matongo, Love Raema Bissila Mabiala (J. Bunjira, 76thmin), Kundai Benyu (J. Mutudza, 81st min), Tanaka Shandirwa, Phineas Bamusi, Nyasha Chintuli (E. Manokore, 76th min), Emmanuel Mbollo (J. Bakari, 66th min)
Despite calls for a boycott in the lead-up to yesterday's Harare Derby, Rufaro Stadium saw a respectable crowd turn out for the heated clash between Dynamos and CAPS United.
However, Dynamos will count some losses off the pitch, as a noticeable section of their fans stayed away from the match, choosing instead to gather in Highfield. This division among supporters has raised questions about the club's unity, with many hoping the leadership will take urgent steps to bring their "family" back together.
On the field, the derby did not disappoint.
CAPS United midfielder Kundai Benyu stole the show with a stunning long-range strike that sealed a 1-1 draw and denied Dynamos a home victory. Benyu's venomous shot from outside the penalty box curled into the top corner, leaving Dynamos goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa with no chance.
The game had earlier seen Dynamos take the lead through their captain Emmanuel Jalai, who coolly converted a penalty just after the restart, following a handball in the box during a corner kick.
Benyu's equaliser was a goal worthy of the derby's grand stage, drawing comparisons to a recent spectacular strike by Ngezi Platinum Stars' Ashwin Karengesha. This goal added to a growing list of memorable strikes at Rufaro this season, alongside efforts by FC Platinum's Junior Selemani and Scotland's Michael Tapera.
Benyu's goal was the reward for his tireless midfield work, dominating the smaller Dynamos players throughout the match. CAPS United coach Ian Bakala praised the midfielder's sharp instincts and execution.
"We've been training him to shoot from those areas. He remembered that today and did the right thing. It's a positive sign for him and the whole team," Bakala said, expressing his delight at seeing Benyu score.
Despite the vibrant contest, the shadow of unrest lingered. Several Dynamos supporters had threatened to boycott the fixture over dissatisfaction with the club's management. Instead, a segment chose to welcome new coach Saul Chaminuka.
Chaminuka made some notable changes, handing defender Raymond Uchena a start - a move many questioned was long overdue given Dynamos' defensive struggles this season. Brandon Jerimani also impressed in central midfield, flanked by Tellmore Pio and Vusa Ngwenya.
The match was cagey, with few clear-cut chances. Dynamos' penalty was the clearest opening until Benyu's equaliser swung momentum back.
Towards the end, CAPS United captain Phineas Bamusi almost snatched a winner with a quick half-volley, but Tafiremutsa's alert fist denied him.
Reflecting on the draw, Dynamos coach Chaminuka was cautiously optimistic.
"It was a good game. The boys responded well and we planned carefully knowing their style. We had most of the answers except for one moment where we lost concentration," he said.
Currently third from bottom with nine points from 12 games, Chaminuka believes his team will improve.
"This was a good lesson. The players need to take instructions seriously. We'll keep working to be more convincing, especially in the final third where we took shots from too far out," he added.
CAPS United's Ian Bakala, now in his second game in charge, acknowledged progress despite their 15th place standing with 10 points from 12 matches.
"The players adapted quickly to the new system. It's not easy changing coaches, but they showed good signs today and we're working on all areas to improve," Bakala remarked.
As the season unfolds, both sides will look to build on the promise shown in this spirited derby, while Dynamos face the urgent task of mending fences with their disaffected fan base.
Teams:
Dynamos: Prince Tafiremutsa, Emmanuel Jalai, Abel Gwatidzo, Raymond Uchena, Shadreck Nyahwa, Brandon Jerimani (R. Chingwara, 81st min), Frank Agyemang, Valentine Kadonzvo (E. Perezo, 68th min), Vusa Ngwenya, Tellmore Pio, Leeroy Mavhunga (E. Chikona, 78th min)
CAPS Utd: Stephen Kwaku, Bruce Kangwa, Wesley Milanzi, Jimmy Dzingai, Tapiwa Matongo, Love Raema Bissila Mabiala (J. Bunjira, 76thmin), Kundai Benyu (J. Mutudza, 81st min), Tanaka Shandirwa, Phineas Bamusi, Nyasha Chintuli (E. Manokore, 76th min), Emmanuel Mbollo (J. Bakari, 66th min)
Source - the herald
