Machope on target as Scottland edge Dynamos in thrilling clash
By Auther Chimbgwa
Tymon Machope’s 47th minute goal was enough to subdue an otherwise impressive Dynamos in a thrilling Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Match Day 10 encounter played before a packed Rufaro stadium Sunday.
An attempt by Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni to dribble past an advancing Machope a few meters from his goal post proved fatal for the Harare giants after the ball was intercepted by Khama Billiat who then fed Machope to score his third goal of the season.
The victory left Scottland – named after its owner and business mogul Scott Sakupwanya – with five wins, four draws and a single loss in the current league campaign.
Scottland should however thank shot stopper, Nelson Chadya for denying Dynamos several scoring opportunities in what could have tilted the match out of their favour. For his heroics, Chadya was named man of the match after the encounter.
In another big clash played Sunday, log leaders MWOS continued to show character when they dispatched a youthful Chicken Inn 1-0 at Luveve stadium in Bulawayo.
Michael Matinha’s 37th minute strike from just outside the penalty box proved decisive.
The thunderous shot gave the gamecocks goalkeeper Benard Donovan no chance at all.
At Sakubva stadium in Mutare, Manica Diamonds and Kwekwe United played out an uninspiring 0-0 stalemate.
In Saturday matches, Highlanders beat Yadah FC 2-0 at the Heart stadium in Harare with Reason Sibanda scoring both goals.
Ailing giants Caps United stuttered again when they were held to a goalless draw by ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga stadium while at Ascot stadium in Gweru, TelOne edged Bikita Minerals 1-0 to maintain a 100 percent home record unbeaten.
Reigning champions Simba Bhora failed to claim top spot after they were held to a goalless draw by Green Fuel at Wadzanayi stadium while FC Platinum and Ngezi Platinum also played goalless.
Following the weekend’s fixtures, MWOS sit at the apex of the log standings with 22 points from 10 games while Scottland are second and three points behind.
Simba Bhora also have 19 points but lie third by virtue of an inferior goal difference.
Highlanders are fourth on 17 points.
Fading giants Dynamos are number 14 on 8 points while Caps United and Yadah, also on 8 points, are joint 16th with all their statistics matching in terms of games, goals scored and conceded.
Triangle languish at the foot of the log standings with 5 points.
