CHICKEN INN . . . . . . . . (2) 3
DYNAMOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
DYNAMOS' quest to survive relegation was thrown into further disarray as they were thrashed by Chicken Inn in an exciting Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
With 11 matches before the season ends, the odds appear to be stacked against the fading Harare giants. Incoming coach Kelvin Kaindu watched the proceedings from the terraces.
Dynamos have 16 points in 23 games, sitting in position 17, just above bottom-placed Kwekwe United.
Kaindu has been brought on board to execute the survival strategy. The Zambian has been engaged for the rest of the season and awaits his work permit. With head coach Saul Chaminuka suspended, assistant coach Philemon Mutyakureva took charge yesterday.
A couple of DeMbare fans stormed onto the pitch at half-time in apparent protest against the team's leadership, but were quickly whisked away by the police.
Yesterday’s victory eased Chicken Inn’s relegation worries as they went up to position 11 with 26 points, riding over Yadah, Green Fuel and Bikita Minerals, a relief for coach Joey Antipas.
- Chicken Inn knockout Harare City
- Inside Sport: Local stadiums in urgent need of attention
- FC Platinum 8 points clear as Chicken Inn falters again
- Panashe Mutasa comes of age at Tenax FC
Keep Reading
"It's been a long time; if you look at our games, we have been playing very well, but we have not been putting the ball in the back of the net. The boys put up a commanding performance, and that is what we needed. What we need now is a bit of consistency to get ourselves up on the log table so that we play without any pressure. We have been playing under pressure for a long time," Antipas said.
Mutyakureva admitted defeat, but is adamant DeMbare will survive the dreaded chop.
"We lost, we admit. It's not looking good for us. We have to make sure we dig deeper, trying to fight relegation. We have to add more depth to the team. We are short of strikers upfront. Negotiations are going on, and we hope by the end of the week, we will have signed one or two. We will make it [survive]. It's still on, we will fight to the last day of the season," Mutyakureva said.
Chicken Inn went ahead in the 21st minute with a beautiful shot past Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni, picking up from another attempt at goal by Irvine Mukombwe.
Mpumelelo Bhebhe easily tapped in the ball past Makoni in the 42nd minute from a George Majika cross, piling misery on troubled Dynamos with the second.
Substitute Michael Charamba made it three for Chicken Inn in the 63rd minute from inside the box.
Malvin Hwata could have hit another one for the GameCocks in the 36th minute, but his effort narrowly missed the upright.
Chicken Inn came close to another goal five minutes before the break, but George Majika, with an option to send Chikuhwa through, was selfish and skied his effort over the crossbar.
Another glorious opportunity on the stroke of half-time, but Hwata also shot above the bar from inside the box.
Dynamos had their few chances and could have scored in the 17th minute, but Wisdom Mtasa's header from Shadreck Nyahwa's cross went wide.
Teams
Chicken Inn: D Bernard, M Hwata (B Muza 71'), J Tulani (B Rendo 62'), W Vuwa, X Ndlovu, M Bhebhe, I Mabunu, G Majika (G Mutungamiri 85'), L Chikuhwa (E Musena 62'), Mukwombe, L Mangaira (M Charamba 46')
Dynamos: T Makoni, E Jalai, A Gwatidzo, D Nhongo, G Mandivei, S Nyahwa, T Pio, T Chiwunga (A Mandinyenya 62'), W Mtasa, F Agmeyang, L Mavunga (V Kadonzvo 62')
