DYNAMOS coach Genesis Mangombe has refused to give up on the title challenge despite his team’s demoralising defeat to Herentals in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at the National Sports Stadium yesterday. Yesterday’s 0-1 defeat saw them drop five points in two matches following a draw against Triangle midweek.
After they were held to that draw at Triangle on Thursday, the Harare giants desperately needed maximum points yesterday to close the gap on log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars who lost to a rejuvenated FC Platinum on Saturday. DeMbare found themselves trailing to a Frank Makarati own goal, eight minutes into the game.
The result means Mangombe’s men remain fifth on the log table with 40 points, eleven behind the leaders, although they have a game in hand from their abandoned match against Highlanders. FC Platinum moved to second position on the table following their big weekend win with 46 points, five behind their platinum cousins.
Only eight matches remain before the season ends. In his post-match comments, Mangombe said his side will continue to fight despite the latest setback.
“We lost points in a game we should have wrapped up in the first half. We tried our best, did everything but the opponents were organised in terms of defence.
“The title is still there for everyone, because if you look some of the leading teams also lost points yesterday (Saturday). The margin (between us and them) is not that big but for us to close it, we need to have character and to pull ourselves up after a loss like this. We are going to psyche up the boys and tell them that we still have a chance to fight for the championship.”
Herentals coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva was thrilled that his side picked four points from Dynamos, having forced a draw in the reverse fixture. Victory took Herentals to within a point of Dynamos with 39 points.
“This win is a product of teamwork. We worked hard. Dynamos is a good team so we said the only way to break them was counter attack and to defend well.
“We did that and I’m happy with how the players applied themselves in terms of looking for the goal and defend it. We neutralised their midfield where we know they are very strong. That was our game plan and it worked,” he said.
Source Newsday
