Dynamos drop points at Gibbo in blow to top-four ambitions

With four games remaining, Dynamos’ hopes of finishing in the top four suffered a setback after they dropped points against relegation-threatened Triangle in a 1-1 draw at Gibbo Stadium on Wednesday in a Matchday 30 fixture.

The match, which was brought forward to pave way for Sunday’s Battle of Zimbabwe against Highlanders in the centenary celebrations, could prove costly at this stage of the season, with the Glamour Boys now at risk of falling short of their target.

Isaac Landu scored for Dynamos in the first half while Triangle got their equaliser from Joel Munsaka from a penalty on the hour mark.

Head coach Aristica Cioaba has been clear that a top-four finish is the minimum target for Dynamos this season, but dropping points at Gibbo has left that objective hanging in the balance, with four games remaining before the curtain goes down.

With the league already in its decisive phase, failure to collect maximum points against struggling teams like Triangle United will be seen as two points lost.

The draw also comes as a dent to morale ahead of a massive weekend for the Harare giants. They move to 51 points and remain in third position, but could drop to fourth if Ngezi Platinum Stars beat Highlanders on Thursday at Baobab Stadium.

DEMBARE FACE BOSSO IN 100-YEAR CELEBRATIONS

Dynamos FC United at Gibbo Stadium. Picture by Fanzone

Dynamos face Highlanders on Sunday at Barbourfields Stadium in what will be the highlight of Bosso’s centenary celebrations. The Battle of Zimbabwe clash forms part of the KUZANA Sport and Creative Economy Expo being staged in Bulawayo by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in partnership with Nhimbe Trust.

While Dynamos will be desperate to spoil the party in Bulawayo, Highlanders have their own fixture to navigate first, with Bosso facing Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab Stadium on Thursday.

Sunday’s derby will be the third meeting between the two giants this season. There has been nothing to separate them so far, after a 2-2 draw at Rufaro Stadium in March followed by a 1-1 stalemate at Barbourfields in July.

For Highlanders, the occasion is about more than just three points, as the club is marking 100 years of existence, with Sunday’s match offering their supporters a chance to celebrate the milestone after plans were disrupted following the deaths of three executive members earlier this year.

But for Dynamos, the focus must quickly shift from disappointment at Gibbo stadium to delivering a statement performance at Barbourfields. Their next PSL match will be equally difficult as they face title hopefuls Hardrock FC on Saturday 17 October at Rufaro stadium.

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