2024 Zim PSL Matchday 7 Review: Bosso suffer first defeat, Dynamos win, FC Platinum draws worry Mapeza

TAWANDA CHARI

HARARE – The seventh matchday of the Zimbabwe Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) unfolded with a variety of outcomes. It was marked by staunch defenses and low-scoring affairs. Some teams seized crucial victories, while others are set to enhance their performance in the upcoming matches to build and rebuild their pace in the league.

Zimbabwe Castle Lager PSL Matchday 7 results, Dynamos win

Dynamos Football Club. [Image: Soccer24]

Bulawayo Derby: Highlanders FC suffer first defeat to Chicken Inn FC

Highlanders’ unbeaten start to the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season came to an end after losing 2-1 to Chicken Inn on Sunday at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.

The Gamecocks took an early two-goal lead via Brian Muza in the 7th minute and Michael Charamba in the 20th minute; as Bosso failed to make significant recovery sufficient for either a draw or victory, allowing Chicken Inn to secure the narrow win.

Lynoth Chikuhwa pulled one back for the hosts half an hour through the match after they were forced to make a tactical change in the 20th minute, replacing Brian Mlotshwa with Mvelo Khoza

Mapeza worried about draws after FC Platinum blew a two-goal lead

Former champions FC Platinum were held to a 2-2 draw by a determined Bikita Minerals at Mandava Stadium.

Despite taking the lead, FC Platinum could not maintain their advantage, giving Bikita Minerals ample room to snatch a point—a surprising stumble for the Platinum Boys that also has head coach Norman Mapeza concerned.

“Look, we really struggled in the first half, but in the second half, we got those two early goals and we already leading 2-0, twenty minutes after the restart, but again we conceded soft goals,” Mapeza told journalists after the game.

“We could have done better, if you look at their first goal, from a throw in, we could have done better. The second goal again, we could have done better.

“We will keep on working hard though, you know sometimes I start to get worried. Last week was a draw, this week again a draw and conceding as well.

“I start to get worried but I think the guys worked so hard, especially in the second half, we even had better opportunities to add another two goals but that’s a game of football,” added Mapeza

The Platinum Boys blew a two-goal lead to settle for a point after conceding a late Masimba Mambare’s brace.

Juan Mutudza opened the scoring in the 52nd minute to put the hosts ahead and second half substitute Davison Marowa doubled the lead for FC Platinum but a brace from former Dynamos midfielder Masimba Mambare late on was FC Platinum’s undoing.

Dynamos FC get first victory at Rufaro

Dynamos managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over new boys Telone at Rufaro Stadium from Emmanuel Paga’s solitary second half strike.

A single goal was enough to earn Dynamos all three points in a closely contested match; and for now, coach Genesis Mangombe will has some relief.

Elsewhere

CAPS United lost to Manica Diamonds 1-0. The solitary goal proved decisive, giving Manica Diamonds a boost in their league campaign.

Bulawayo Chiefs beat Simba Bhora by a similar scoreline.

The rest of the fixtures between Hwange and Ngezi Platinum; Greenfuel and Herentals; Yadah FC and Chegutu Pirates; and ZPC Kariba and Arenel Movers all ended in goalless draws.