Dynamos.......................(0)1
Chicken Inn...................(0)1
HARARE - Chicken Inn yesterday played with their hearts on their sleeves to rally from behind and earn a deserved point away to Dynamos.
The Gamecocks had fallen behind due to a contentious penalty early into the second half before Brian Mbiriri fashioned a potential goal of the season with a long range volley that stunned Gwanzura Stadium.
Perhaps it was poetic justice after referee Munyaradzi Majoni had awarded Dynamos a penalty for an alleged hand ball.
Fabrice Mbimba’s drive from the edge of the box had struck a Chicken Inn defender but it seemed a harsh decision as his hand was in a natural position.
At the beginning of that move, Chicken Inn goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze had spilled a cross under the challenge of Rodrick Mutuma but no protection was extended to him.
What followed was a goal mouth melee with Mbimba’s drive finding a wall of Chicken Inn defenders in the 16-yard box from which Majoni felt was enough to award the home team a penalty.
Mutuma stepped up to send Chipezeze the wrong the way.
However, DeMbare’s joy would only lasted for a moment as Chicken Inn threw everything they had at the defending Champions in search of an equaliser.
They would finally get their reprieve 12 minutes later when Mbiriri’s first time volley from more than 22-yard out hit the cross bar and nestled into Artwell
Mukandi’s net.
It was in the way in which the left back stroked his effort, first time, on the volley that drew applause from neutrals and Dynamos fans alike.
Calisto Pasuwa felt his side’s fitness levels proved to be their weakest link.
“We had injuries that kept some of our players out of the game,” Pasuwa said.
“Today we were second to the ball and that’s something we will have to work on so that we can come out with a compact team.”
Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas gave his players credit for holding their heads high despite falling behind in contentious fashion.
“It’s a welcome point from previous defeats. We can now remain focused to getting positive results.
“I want to give the boys credit for their fighting spirit,” Antipas said.
The game had got off to an electrifying start with a first half that produced numerous goal mouth action for both teams.
Lawrence Mhlanga was the first to break Dynamos lines earlier on but his effort was turned away for a corner by an on rushing Mukandi.
Moments later, Ronald Chitiyo’s long range shot brought the best out of Chipezeze.
Action continued to swing from one end to the other with Clemence Matawu coming close for Chicken Inn before Simba Sithole’s header soared just inches over the bar.
The two sides would go to the break delicately poised at nil-all before Dynamos gained the advantage just four minutes into the second stanza.
Mbiriri levelled 12 minutes later, but the game remained on a knife edge.
Mbimba’s came close with a header but held his head in disbelief as Chipezeze somehow stretched to turn it for a corner.
Russel Madamombe had a clear penalty shout turned down after being brought down by Passmore Bernard but as if to even the odds Majoni waved play on.
Mutuma should have registered his second after being gifted a sitter by Chipezeze but he scooped his effort over from right underneath the cross bar.
TEAMS
Dynamos: Artwell Mukandi, Thomas Magorimbo, Oscar Machapa, Augustine Mbara, Themba Ndlovu, Devon Chafa (Tichaona Mamvura, 67m),Ronald Chitiyo, Simba Sithole, Tafadzwa Rusike( Russel Madamombe, 72m), Fabrice Mbimba (Farai Mupasiri, 81m), Rodrick Mutuma.
Chicken Inn: Elvis Chipezeze, Moses Jackson, Passmore Bernard, Lawrence Mhlanga, Brian Juru, Toto Banda (Frank Bushiri, 85m), Clemence Matawu, Bhekimpilo Ncube, Ismael Lawe (Ramson Zhuwawo 70min) Mkhokeli Dube, Brian Mbiriri (Devine Lunga, 87m).