CAPS United came back from a goal down to draw 1-1 against defending champions and bitter city rivals Dynamos in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Rufaro on Sunday.
The result left Dynamos with 48 points still six points behind the log leaders Chicken Inn who drew 1-1 against WhaWha.
Dynamos were dominated by Caps United who showed great ambition in the entire first half and could have killed off the game stone dead but wasted several chances.
Caps United winger Phineas Bhamusi sent in a dangerous low cross intended for Leonard Tsipa in the penalty area on 19 minutes and Dynamos full back, Ocean Mushure, like a sneak thief, ghosted in from behind to put the ball out of danger.
DeMbare had gone into the match unbeaten by Caps United in a league match since 2009. They also had a good chance in the first half but Ronald Chitiyo directed his effort wide.
In the second half, Dynamos came back showing a lot of verve and, on 54 minutes, Walter Mukanga’s effort drew a fine save from goalkeeper Jorum Muchambo.
But as the goals appeared elusive, Lloyd Chitembwe made a change on 57 minutes bringing out Joel Ngodzo and introducing Dominic Chungwa.
Tonderai Ndiraya also responded by hauling off Rodreck Mutuma for Takesure Chinyama on 61 minutes while Kelvin Bulaji came in for Carlos Rusere two minutes later.
The substitutions paid off for Ndiraya as Chinyama immediately made impact and had the ball in the back of the nets on 75 minutes after getting to the end of a wonderful delivery from the left by Chitiyo sending Dynamos fans into delirium.
But Caps United refused to be cowed into submission.
Carlton Munzabwa sent in a long ball into the danger zone and Tsipa planted a firm header into the nets for the equaliser on 61 minutes. Caps United fans went capered and danced.
Thereafter, Dynamos were in control with Mupasiri and Chitiyo coming close. The two teams could however not be separated.
Chitembwe praised his charges afterwards.
“I thought we dominated in the first half. They also had their moments but I was impressed by the character shown by the players. They were 1-0 down but the response was superb. I can only be happy for them.
“We now have to go and try to improve. The One Wallet Cup is one tournament we are looking at now,” said Chitembwe.
Ndiraya said the result was fair.
“I thought we controlled the most parts of the first half but could not get maximum points. We conceded a soft goal at the back because of poor marking but I thought it was a fair result. We have to keep fighting to the end. It’s game on. We need to post good results. We will also try and win the Easy Call Cup,” said Ndiraya.
