Machapa derby delight

Sport
Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1 Caps United. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1 Caps United. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA SPORTS CORRESPONDENT OSCAR Machapa marked his return to the Harare derby by scoring a goal of supreme quality — struck with power, flair and finesse before a full house at Rufaro Stadium yesterday as champions Dynamos maintained their dominance over bitter rivals Caps United in an ill-tempered Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match.

The former Caps United and Moroka Swallows defender who joined the Glamour Boys from South Africa in July, rounded off his marker on the right flank and cut in to the danger zone before unleashing a rasping shot with his left foot to the far left corner of the post leaving goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube clutching thin air.

Rufaro rose in acknowledgement of a great piece of technique which decided the 71st edition of the Harare derby.

Dynamos coach Kalisto Pasuwa showered Machapa with praises in a post-match interview.

“Oscar is a utility player, very comfortable on the ball and he scored a gem of a goal. I am proud of him, but the most important thing is we have collected all the three points. Like they always do, Caps were stronger in the second half, but I am happy we got all the points,” he said.

Machapa said: “I am happy that I scored the winning goal for Dynamos especially in this derby. It’s a bonus to me because I am playing as a defender, but I am happy we defeated Caps United. I can’t really explain how I got that goal.”

“It just happened. My left foot is stronger than the right. I injured my right foot some two years ago and I started to use my left foot more often.”

Caps United coach Taurai Mangwiro also spoke glowingly about Machapa’s goal, but complained about the three minutes added time by the Midlands referee Thomas Masaa.

“We couldn’t secure a win again. We continue to sing the blues, but we won’t despair. We didn’t start well, but we were stronger in the second half. But unfortunately we couldn’t score. Credit to Oscar.

“His goal was well executed. But I think there should be improvement in the way these games are handled because these guys were buying time.

Only three minutes were added. They should have added more minutes. It insults the fans. I don’t mind losing fairly,” Mangwiro looking dejected and downcast, said.

There were, however, disturbing scenes of hooliganism as frustrated Caps United fans could not stomach the impending defeat and threw missiles on to the pitch at the end of the match.

The referee stopped play to attend to Clive Kawinga who had been injured in an off-the-ball incident.

The champions who lead the league table now have 41 points while Caps United remain on 35 points with just nine matches before the season ends.