Highlanders 0-1 Dynamos
MISSILES were hurled onto the pitch forcing breaks in play at Barbourfields Saturday as Highlanders were beaten 0-1 by Harare rivals Dynamos.
Riot police also had to be called in as rival fans clashed outside the stadium, concluding another tempestuous showdown between two of the country’s biggest soccer clubs.
The defeat will increase pressure on Highlanders’ coach Kelvin Kaindu, as it extended their winless streak to four games after the midweek loss away to Black Rhinos in Kadoma.
The Bulawayo side dominated the first half but their strikers were wasteful in front of goal and they were duly punished in the 48th minute after the break.
Dynamos striker Roderick Mutuma capitalised on a mistake by Bruce Kangwa and slotted home beating the home side’s goal-keeper Ariel Sibanda.
There was a break in play before the end as angry fans threw missiles on the pitch, hitting Dynamos’ Murape Murape who had to be attended to but was able to continue.
And when the referee blew to end battles ensured between rivals fans and riot police had to use teargas to break up the clashes.
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“Highlanders should have buried us in the first 45 minutes because they were all over us. We were second to the ball most of the time and that is why we had to pull out a striker for a midfielder.
“Credit goes to Murape for the way he brought back the compactness we lacked in midfield. That is what we expect from senior players like him, he was good going forward and defensively as well.
“In the end, we won the game because we utilised our chance. Rody (Mutuma) is a guy who came and added firepower upfront. Our problem was that of not scoring, he is getting those goals and it is good for the team.”
He said: “I can’t talk of the championship at this stage because winning the league title is not about beating Highlanders only . . . it is about winning against ZPC Kariba, Rhinos and all those other teams.
In other games, Harare City continued to improve, beating Chapungu 1-0 while ZPC Kariba thrashed Shabanie Mine 3-0
Saturday: Highlanders 0-1 Dynamos (Barbourfields), Buffaloes 2-1 Bantu Rovers (Sakubva), Harare City 1-0 Chapungu (Rufaro), Triangle United 0-0 Black Rhinos (Gibbo), ZPC Kariba 3-0 Shabanie Mine (Gwanzura)