By Tapiwa Chawagarira
DYNAMOS suffered their first Castle Lager Premier Soccer League defeat under coach Aristica Cioaba after going down 1-0 to Chicken Inn at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday, a result that saw DeMbare slip to fourth place and fall 11 points behind log leaders Scottland with seven matches remaining.
A spectacular 73rd-minute long-range strike by Joseph Tulani proved the difference as Chicken Inn claimed a valuable victory over the Harare giants.
Tulani’s thunderous effort, which is already being tipped as a contender for Goal of the Season, broke the deadlock after a tightly contested encounter in which Dynamos had struggled to find a way through the Chicken Inn defence.
The defeat was particularly painful for Cioaba, whose side had enjoyed an encouraging run since his arrival before Sunday’s setback.
Speaking after the match, the Romanian coach apologised to the Dynamos supporters for the result, admitting disappointment at seeing his team lose ground in the title race.
The loss leaves DeMbare in fourth position, 11 points behind Scottland, who remain at the summit of the table as the league enters its decisive final stretch.
With only seven matches left before the end of the season, Dynamos now face a difficult task if they are to revive their championship hopes.
Across the country, Highlanders strengthened their position with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Herentals.
Marvin Sibanda was the hero for Bosso, scoring both goals in an impressive second-half display. He opened the scoring in the 59th minute when he poked home a delivery from Andrew Mbeba.
The striker then doubled Highlanders’ advantage in the 88th minute to seal all three points for the Bulawayo giants and send the Bosso faithful home celebrating.
At Manica Diamonds, Ngezi Platinum Stars produced a strong away performance to secure a 2-0 victory, with Tinashe Mavhudzi opening the scoring as early as the 13th minute.
Mavhudzi found the back of the net after connecting with a cross from Farai Madhanhanga, giving the visitors an early advantage.
Marvelous Mukumba completed the scoring in the 89th minute, heading in from the rebound after Brooklyn Katumba’s effort had cannoned off the post.
The Matchday 27 results could prove significant as the race for the championship and top positions intensifies with just seven rounds remaining.
Matchday 27 Results:
- Dynamos 0-1 Chicken Inn
- Highlanders 2-0 Herentals
- Manica Diamonds 0-2 Ngezi Platinum Stars
