Byo Chiefs push Dynamos further into relegation danger Lloyd Mutasa

Eddie Chikamhi, Harare Bureau
Dynamos 0-0 Bulawayo Chiefs

FADING giants, Dynamos, are proving to be toothless bulldogs as they fired blanks again yesterday and slipped further into the relegation quagmire after they were held by battling newboys, Bulawayo Chiefs, in a poorly attended match at Rufaro yesterday.

The Glamour Boys went into the match full of confidence after they had beaten the same opponents 1-0 in the Chibuku Super Cup first round four days ago.

But Lloyd Mutasa’s men failed to move into the next gear despite dominating the early exchanges and they relapsed into the usual insipid performances that have characterised their league campaign this year as soon as Bulawayo Chiefs settled in yesterday’s game.

The Glamour Boys have not scored in their last four consecutive league matches, which translates to 360 minutes of barren football, and the crisis is coming at a time they desperately needed to redeem themselves from the unfamiliar relegation maze.

DeMbare’s fate is slowly seeping out of their hands as they are now just one point above the relegation cut-off point with seven games remaining.

Tied on 31 points with Bulawayo Chiefs, Yadah and Nichrut, the last seven games will be crucial for the record Zimbabwe champions.

Mutasa yesterday was left mourning his team’s inability to create meaningful scoring chances, which has been a major undoing this year.

“I think we defended well but we never created as many chances as we had wanted, hence we could not score.

“If you look at the team that we were playing (Chiefs), we are in the mix together and you wouldn’t want to give the other team the advantage.

“But I’m sure with where we are (on the log standings), if you can’t win probably you should get something because the other teams will be collecting points as well.

“I think what I should worry about is my team not creating chances and my team not getting goals… Obviously we do (work on finishing) but look we played on a Saturday and then we play a midweek game. There isn’t much time to try and rectify such. But we will try our best so that we address that,” said Mutasa

Dynamos supporters have not responded to the club’s pleas to rally behind the team during their dark hour as they were greeted by a much smaller crowd compared to that of last Saturday’s Chibuku Super Cup first round.

The poor league run continues ahead of a challenging trip to championship chasing FC Platinum away at Mandava this weekend.

Uncharacteristic of DeMbare, who have won many league titles because of their impeccable defending, the team this year has a goal difference of minus eight.

Their 20 goals in 27 starts is the second least tally ahead of newboys Herentals’ 19.

And yesterday their first meaningful chance came via Denver Mukamba’s free-kick which scrapped over the top of the woodwork after Kingston Nkhata was impeded wide on the left flank.

There were some glimpses from Peace Makaha and Panashe Mutasa on the lively right flank but Bulawayo Chiefs managed to soak the early pressure.

Then Chiefs had genuine appeals for a penalty turned down in the 27th minute by referee Lazarus Dirwai after Phakamani Dube handled the ball inside the box.

DeMbare also had an almost similar appeal but the referee stood his ground when defender Shadreck Nyahwa went for a challenge inside the penalty box.

Dynamos looked deflated when Panashe Mutasa was taken out injured at the hour mark. Substitute Kuda Kumwala had a chance in the 84th minute but his shot was blocked by keeper.

DeMbare’s workaholic defender, Godfrey Mukambi, was also forced to make a crucial save at the other end of goal to thwart a dangerous raid fronted by Chris Machisi with about three minutes of regulation time remaining.

Chiefs’ coach, Garthly Chipuka said the point on the road was good for him as he looks to guide the side to safety in their first season in the PSL.

“We really wanted the three points but you cannot blame anything. A point is okay, at least it keeps us in a position that is above them (Dynamos). So basically in the relegation matrix we are fine with that,” said Chipuka.

Teams:
Dynamos: S Chinani, P Makaha, O Mushure, G Mukambi, P Dube, M Mukumba, K Dhemere (B Moyo, 79th min), P Mutasa (K Kumwala, 61st minute), D Mukamba, T Macheke, K Nkhata (B Amidu, 63rd minute)

Bulawayo Chiefs: D Bizabani, S Nyahwa, M Majika, M Mkolo, L Matizirofa, T Muzuva, G. Mleya (C Machisi, 71st minute), F Matare, S Ngala, P Chikwende, S Dube

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