Dynamos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1 Motor Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 0
Tawanda Tafirenyika Sports Correspondent
SIDNEY Linyama scored a superb header for champions Dynamos just before the final whistle to decide a fierce Castle Lager Premier Soccer League contest against spirited basement club Motor Action at Rufaro Stadium in Harare yesterday.
The goal came just after a plastic bottle containing some substance believed to be urine was thrown on the Motor Action goal from the Dynamos stands, highlighting once again the strong belief in juju by the supporters.
The DeMbare midfielder who came on as a substitute replacing Agustine Mbara, profited from a well-taken free-kick by goalkeeper George Chigova on 90 minutes after Wisdom Mutasa — the son of FC Platinum coach Lloyd Mutasa — pulled Muparati’s shirt as he worked his way past him. Linyama then leapt highest to meet the long ball before planting a firm header into the nets — beating a bemused goalkeeper Itai Chiwara.
It was perhaps a cruel end to a match in which a draw would have been a fair result as Motor Action fielding mostly youngsters from the Aces Youth Academy, gave it their all.
The victory handed the champions the much-needed triumph after having stuttered to a goalless draw against Black Rhinos before the long break. More importantly — with Highlanders falling 1-0 to Black Mambas across town at Morris Depot — it meant Dynamos took second place on the log standings with 35 points.
Dynamos fielded former Moroka Swallows defender Oscar Machapa and former FC Platinum winger Benjamin Marere. Machapa had a decent game on his debut and delivered good crosses into the area, but the Dynamos attackers failed to do justice as they missed plenty of opportunities.
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Machapa worked his way past Ebabali Yves in the ninth minute and delivered a good cross into the penalty area, but Patrick Khumbula missed the chance.
Motor Action also had a good chance to go ahead six minutes later, but a speculative shot by impressive midfielder Clive Sibanda sailed over the bar. Still Dynamos dominated and on 20 minutes Tawanda Muparati set up Khumbula, but the Dynamos striker directed his effort wide. In the 26th minute, Russell Madamombe who was clearly the best man for the boys in blue set up Thomas Magorimbo, but his low ground shot missed the target.
As the home team continued to pile on the pressure, Khumbula missed a headed opportunity following a good cross by Madamombe on the left. However, in the second half, Motor Action matched their more experienced opponents and Walter Musona who was introduced in the second half, exchanged good passes with Ngonidzashe Maviri before setting Ebabali Yves whose effort drew a fine save from Chigova.
Dynamos, however, stamped their authority with Mbara, Madamombe and Washington Pakamisa coming close. Still Motor Action refused to be cowed into submission with Maviri forcing Chigova into a fine save on 63 minutes.
Dynamos coach Kalisto Pasuwa then introduced Linyama on 65 minutes and later Farai Mupasiri for the ineffective Khumbula. Motor Action coach Joey Antipas also made some changes bringing on Scola Hadebe for Mukahlera Tafadzwanashe on 74 minutes. However, it was Pasuwa’s substitution which made the difference as Dynamos continued to be a serious threat. But they were their own enemies as they missed plenty of opportunities which came their way.
As the much-needed goal became stubbornly elusive — a plastic bottle containing some substance believed to be urine was thrown on the Motor Action goal.
Soon after the incident, Magorimbo had his long range effort crashing against the cross bar on 85 minutes. As the match appeared to be headed for a draw, Linyama headed home at the stroke of full-time to send the DeMbare fans into delirium.
Pasuwa was happy with the victory, but praised Motor Action youngsters for their good showing. “I was worried by this break, but I am happy the players responded well. Motor Action congested their midfield and made it difficult for us to penetrate. They are a young team and they played well. I knew it was going to be difficult despite their being at the bottom of the league table,” Pasuwa said.
His opposite number, Antipas was satisfied with the performance by his young side. “They played well, but they lacked concentration in the end. They couldn’t deal with the high ball. It’s down to inexperience, but I am happy with their showing. With 11 games left, I am confident we will be able to survive relegation. We now have to go back to the drawing board,” Antipas said.
Teams: Dynamos. G Chigova, O Machapa, A Mbara (65th S Linyama), P Jaure, G Bello, D Chafa (32nd Marere), T Magorimbo, R Madamombe, T Muparati, P Khumbula (72nd F Mupasiri), W Pakamisa. Motor Action: I Chiwara, C Dhuwa (46th W Musona), P Bernard, C Sibanda, D Walaza, W Mutasa, C Kwaramba, E Yves, G Moyo, N Maviri, T Mukahlera (74th S Hadebe)
