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Harare Bureau
Dynamos 1- 0 Yadah
DYNAMOS sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup despite apparent fitness concerns as they laboured to beat Yadah at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

The Glamour Boys, who are runaway leaders in Group One, maintained their unbeaten run, thanks to a 36th minute header by defender Sylvester Appiah.

The win pushed them to 17 points, nine clear of second-placed Yadah, in Group One.

However, DeMbare coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, yesterday felt his team worked over time because of the low levels of fitness.

“Firstly, I think what is important is the result that we got today. I am happy that we got the three points, which pushed us into the quarter-finals,’’ he said.

“That was our plan, when we started the games, so I am very happy for the team, and the work the boys put in. I think this was a very difficult match for us.

“Physically, I think, Yadah were better than us and that forced us to defend deep in the second half.
“I am happy that, so far in seven games, we conceded one goal. Of course, I will not talk about that one because we conceded an own goal.’’

Yadah started off on a bright note, knocking the ball around but their final third was their Achilles Heel.
DeMbare had a chance when Tinotenda Chiunye got behind the Yadah defence but he, somehow, dragged his shot wide, with the ‘keeper at his mercy.

Yadah, however, were conceding too many corner kicks and when Godknows Murwira floated one into the box, Appiah was there to score,  in the 36th minute.

Defender Godfrey Mukambi was lucky to escape without a booking as he was involved in a series of crude tackles to keep the Glamour Boys at bay.

“We had promised our players that we will give each and every one of them a starting place in all the 10 matches that we are going to play,’’ said Ndiraya.
“So far, we have been doing quite well.

“Of course, credit to Yadah, they played good football today but, in the end, I think what is important in football is the result.

“This has given us a huge breathing space, a space which we are really going to make use of.’’
Yadah coach, Genesis Mangombe, said his team’s resilience was something they should be proud of.

“It was not going to be easy, given that we once lost four nil, to the same opponents, in the first round.  But, I am happy the boys responded very well today, save for that set-piece, which we failed to defend as a team,’’ he said.

“What is encouraging is that we are showing more positives than negatives, so we have somewhere to start from, when the Premier Soccer League comes around.

“When you play possession football, you need to have avenues to create the scoring opportunities.

“But, if you fail to create scoring opportunities, then you are bound to lose the game. So, we just want to work on the final third so that when we do our build-ups, we get the final pass, and probably a goal.

“I think we are still in with a chance to qualify for the quarter-finals. We just need to collect maximum points in the remaining fixtures.’’

Teams
Dynamos: T. Mvula, E. Jalai, P. Jaure, S. Appiah, G. Murwira, F. Makarati (T. Mawarire, 69th min), T. Mavhunga, S. Nyahwa, J. Mutudza (T. Makanda, 77th min), T. Chiunye (B. Mushunje, 69th min), N. Sianchali  (B. Antonio, 69th min)
Yadah: P. Nyabunga, L. Mucheto, B. Chayambuka, B. Kadamanja, G. Mukambi, A. Kambanje (N. Mhlanga, 55th min), M. Faranando (F. Bhinzi, 79th min), T. Mutyembizi, G. Mangani, T. Shandirwa (F, Alick, 79th min), I. Sadiki (J. Mutembedza, 79th min)