Wilson Chipangura, Guest Reporter
HARARE – The much anticipated Harare Derby between CAPS United and Dynamos ended in a draw at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday to blow the Chibuku Super Cup group 1 contest wide.
Entertaining it was as both teams came into the match with only victory at the back of their minds and on any day things could have gone the either way.
CAPS United were the first to score through an Emmanuel Jalai own goal after some great work by the free scoring Ishmael Wadi.
Dynamos responded to the goal with some attacking play which resulted in them winning a free-kick in a dangerous position.
Barnabas Mushunje curled the free kick before it was deflected beyond goalkeeper Tonderayi Mateyaunga for a Dynamos equaliser on the stroke of halftime.
The teams returned for the second half with Dynamos on the back foot after captain Patson Jaure collapsed in the tunnel and had to be replaced by Sylvester Appiah.
Dynamos started the second half with more determination with a series of attacks through wingers Bill Antonio and Newman Sianchali but CAPS United stopped the raids through rock solid Tanaka Tafa.
United could have scored a winner in the 76th minute after some exciting exchange between Ronald Chitiyo and substitute Ian Nyoni before a cross to Wadi whose header was way wide with the goal at mercy.
Nyoni who was making his first appearance this season after recovering from injury caused some problems to Dynamos on the right wing.
Dynamos remains on top with 8 points followed by Harare City who registered their first victory this weekend against Herentals on 6 points.
CAPS United are now third with 6 points. They face ZPC Kariba next who also registered a first win against bottom placed Yadah Stars.
Dembare coach Tonderayi Ndiraya was happy with the response by his players after conceding the goal.
“I was so happy with the response that we got. Naturally when you go behind you would have put yourself under pressure but I am happy we got back into the game quickly and I thought the first half we were in control of almost everything.
“We were doing most of the things right today but it was that final pass which was really eluding us but I am happy with the performance today from the boys. This was a massive match, Harare Derby and if you have your team right up there, what else can you ask from your players,” said Ndiraya.
CAPS United coach Darlington Dodo bemoaned the wasted chances that could have changed the game for the day.
“Today we started well, defensively we were very organised. Going forward we had moments, and as early as two minutes we could have converted a chance that we created but we were rushing in the last third which is an area that we need to work more on. Overally as a team, I think we fared well,” said Dodo.
