CHIBUKU Super Cup holders Dynamos shrugged off playing at a neutral venue to beat Zesco United of Zambia 1-0 in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round at the Botswana National Stadium yesterday.
The reverse fixture is in Zambia this coming weekend.
Midfielder Tanaka Shandirwa scored the all-important goal in the first half as Dynamos clinched a rare win in a year they have perfected the art of drawing matches.
A brilliant header in the 30th minute turned out to be the match-winner, a memorable moment in his debut CAF inter-club match.
It was the first win for interim Dynamos coach, Lloyd “Mablanyo” Chigowe who took over from Genesis Mangombe a fortnight ago.
His first assignment ended in a goalless draw against Simba Bhora at Barbourfields last week.
As such, Shandirwa became the first Dynamos scorer under Mablanyo.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub after the match, Shandirwa said they deserved the win.
“I’m happy for the team and this means a lot to us as we seek to make an impact in this competition.
“I think we deserved this win because everyone has been putting in the work for us to get the desired result.”
Shandirwa was grateful for the opportunity to feature in Dynamos’ return to continental club football.
“I’m grateful to God for allowing me to be part of this great team and scoring the important goal means a lot to me and everyone who has played a part in my career.
“These are the moments we pray for as players and it feels so good to perform well in these moments.
“I will cherish this moment for a long time and I have never felt this good since I joined Dynamos. I want to do more for this team.”
