Dembare's diamond: Shandirwa shines in Botswana

Zim Now Writer

In a thrilling display of continental football, Dynamos, Zimbabwe's football giants, roared back to life with a solitary strike that echoed through the Gaborone National Stadium. A goal from the talismanic Tanaka Shandirwa in the 31st minute proved to be the difference-maker as the Glamour Boys secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Zesco United in the CAF Confederations Cup preliminary round.

This hard-fought win marked Dynamos' triumphant return to the continental stage after a hiatus of a decade. The last time they graced the African football landscape was in 2014 when they competed in the CAF Champions League.

Despite the challenges posed by Zimbabwe's stadia crisis, which forced them to seek refuge in Botswana, Dynamos managed to conjure up a performance that ignited the hearts of their supporters, both at home and in the stands. A vocal contingent of Zimbabweans based in Botswana added color and passion to the occasion, creating an electric atmosphere that spurred the team on to victory.

Interim coach Lloyd "Mablanyo" Chigowe's tactical acumen was evident as Dynamos defended resolutely in the second half, frustrating Zesco United's attempts to equalize. The Zambian side, despite their dominance in possession, found the Dynamos rearguard impenetrable.

Zesco United coach Tenant Chilumba admitted that his team lacked coordination, especially in the crucial opening minutes of the game. "It's a new team, and we need to gel better," he conceded. However, he remained optimistic about their chances of progressing to the next round, emphasizing the importance of the return leg in Ndola.

Dynamos now have a golden opportunity to seal their passage to the next round with a positive result in the second leg against Zesco United next weekend. The Glamour Boys will be aiming to carry the momentum from their Botswana victory into the heart of Zambia, where they hope to silence the home crowd and secure their place in the competition.

With the first leg in the bag, Dynamos have taken a significant step towards reclaiming their former glory on the African continent.