Dynamos Fall to FC Platinum, coach Mangombe under ...

Dynamos Fall to FC Platinum, coach Mangombe under pressure

Zim Now Writer

Dynamos' title hopes suffered a blow yesterday after a narrow 1-0 defeat to FC Platinum in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter at Mandava Stadium. The loss piles pressure on coach Genesis Mangombe, who has already faced criticism for a string of poor results.

Mangombe, already under fire for recent underwhelming performances, was jeered by Dynamos supporters last Thursday despite securing a win against Arenel Movers. Yesterday's defeat, following a dominant display but a lack of finishing power, has further stoked fan discontent.

FC Platinum capitalized on a single opportunity, with Wilfred Muvirimi converting a volley to secure all three points.

A visibly frustrated Mangombe lamented his team's lapse in concentration during a crucial moment. "We lost focus at a critical time and were punished on the counter-attack," he admitted. "Overall, I'm happy with our performance in creating chances. We dominated possession and caused problems for FC Platinum, but converting those chances remains our Achilles' heel. We need to be more clinical if we want to challenge for the championship."

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza, meanwhile, expressed satisfaction with the result. "They dominated possession but didn't threaten us much," he said. "They're a good technical side, but their constant passing in their own half suited us perfectly. In the second half, I knew they'd eventually show some cracks, and we capitalized with a good goal. We defended well, and the long ball tactic worked in our favor. It's a great feeling to finally beat Dynamos in the league after a while."

The match began with a high tempo, with Dynamos controlling most of the possession. However, clear-cut chances were scarce in the first half, despite Dynamos making more forays into the FC Platinum box. Both goalkeepers remained largely untested as much of the action unfolded in midfield.

Dynamos returned from the break with renewed purpose, with Emmanuel Paga nearly breaking the deadlock with a powerful shot from outside the area. However, FC Platinum struck two minutes past the hour mark. Wilfred Muvirimi capitalized on a swift counter-attack, volleying past a helpless Martin Mapisa in the Dynamos goal.

Dynamos nearly equalized five minutes later through Emmanuel Ziocha, but his lofted effort sailed over the bar, leaving goalkeeper David Bizabani stranded