Ben Sidibe strike fires Dynamos to second on PSL table
Harare giants Dynamos FC rose to second position on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table after edging FC Platinum 1-0 at Mandava Stadium.
Burkina Faso striker Ben Daouda Sidibe was the toast of the day, as his second-half strike was enough to ensure The Glamour Boys walked out of Zvishavane with maximum points. That was his first goal for the club, and only his second match since arriving.
The Harare giants leapt to 44 points in the table, second behind log leaders Scottland FC, who have 52 points. Meanwhile, Hardrock FC, who face Agama FC on Thursday, occupy third position with 42 points to their tally.
The two sides were sizing each other up for at least 19 minutes, though FC Platinum looked more dangerous on their forays. Rightly, they were first to get a meaningful chance in the 19th minute when Trevor Bhunu made a scintillating run, weaving past two Dynamos centre-backs.
But in a one-on-one situation, his effort went wide as goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni remained rooted to his spot. FC Platinum were back again knocking on Dembare’s door, with Bhunu and Mason Mushore being the protagonists. After outrunning the Dynamos centre-backs, Bhunu’s deflected strike hit the crossbar.
For Dynamos, all their forward movements hit a brick wall as forwards Ben Sidibe and Frank Agyemang were starved of clean balls. As such, coach Aristica Cioba withdrew Colin Mujuru, who was uncharacteristically playing as a defensive link. Tellmore Pio was introduced on the 30-minute mark to stabilize the ship.
On the right channel, it was a neck-and-neck affair between FC Platinum’s Oscar Bhebhe and Dynamos’ Christopher Nettey. Moreover, the introduction of Pio changed the complexion of the match, as the midfield battle became even.
On two occasions, Dynamos were awarded clear chances when FC Platinum’s Raphael Pitisi needlessly chased the ball outside his penalty area. His clearance went straight to his opponents, and Abel Gwatidzo and Nettey’s efforts sailed wide with the net empty. The two sides were level on scores at the break.
BEN SIDIBE POWERS DYNAMOS TO VICTORY AT MANDAVA STADIUM
Dynamos introduced Wisdom Mtasa and Moses Demera just after play resumed for the second half. They could have led at the hour mark after a brilliant move as Agyemang exchanged passes with Nettey, whose goal-bound cross was cleared.
Three minutes later, FC Platinum missed a sitter when Namibian forward Isakar Gurirab broke free on the wing to whip in a low cross, but shockingly Abram Mbakondja Tjahikika missed with the goalkeeper at his mercy. That was a chance they instantly regretted as Dynamos took the lead minutes later.
Dynamos took the lead in the 72nd minute, with Frank Agyemang as the protagonist. He won possession inside the center circle before quickly releasing Burkina Faso import Ben Sidibe, who had the composure to beat the keeper in a one-on-one situation.
From then on it was a see-saw affair, with Dynamos goalie Tatenda Makoni pulling off some fine saves to keep the hosts at bay.
Dynamos felt robbed in the 82nd minute when FC Platinum goalkeeper Mbongeni Ndlovu appeared to have handled the ball from a hapless cross by Sidibe. But referee Owen Manenda waved play on. FC Platinum, however, did not instantly throw in the towel as they pushed for an equalizing goal but their attempts failed to produce a goal.
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