HARARE Harare giants Dymamos are just 90 minutes away from qualifying for the lucrative mini-league phase of the African Champions League as they face Gaborone United in a do-or-die second round second leg tie in Gaborone today. (Pictured: DeMbare coach Elvis Chuch Chiwesh
Dynamos, the most successful team in Zimbabwe who reached the African Champions League final in 1998 before losing 4-2 to Ivory Coasts Asec Mimosas could qualify for the group stage of the tournament if they avoid a 3-0 upset by Gaborone United in the decisive tie this afternoon. The Zimbabwean representatives flew to Botswana on Wednesday for the must-win encounter carrying a healthy 4-1 cushion from the first leg in Harare two weeks ago. In-form Dynamos striker Evans Gwekwerere, Farai Vimisayi, Dylan Chivandire and Benjamin Marere were on target for the Harare giants as they crushed giant-killers Gaborone United in the first leg in Harare.
And, now Gaborone who shocked former African Champions Orlando Pirates of South Africa when they dumped them out of the tournament in the first round will have to move mountains to turn the tables against the Harare giants. Gaborone United will have to beat Dynamos by three clear goals for them to qualify for the group stage of the continents premier club competition. Dynamos defence stalwart Tafadzwa Maingire said before the team’s departure they would defend their lead to storm in to the lucrative stage of the competition.
“We are going out there to defend our lead. There is no way we can let this chance slip through our fingers. We are playing very well and if we play like we did in the first leg I don’t see us failing to qualify. Gaborone United are a very good side but I don’t know where the three goals they want will come from. The team is ready to defend this important lead. Everyone knows what is at stake. We are not taking any chances,” Maingire told The Zimbabwean on Sunday.
Dynamos are in top form at the moment. They are still to lose a match this season. They lifted the Uhuru Cup after beating Highlanders 2-0 on Independence Day before beating them again 1-0 in their opening league match of the season at Rufaro two weeks ago. Last Sunday they also edged city rivals CAPS United 2-1 in a league match at the same venue their first victory over the Green Machine in three years. The Glamour Boys have been living in the shadows of CAPS United since 2007 and their triumph last Sunday ensured they ended a three-year wait to beat their old foes.
Meanwhile CAPS United who are representing Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederations Cup tournament face Warri Wolves of Nigeria at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon hoping to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit to avoid elimination from the tournament. CAPS Uniteds away goal could come in handy today as they need to beat Warri Wolves 1-0 to advance to the next stage of the competition.
Post published in: Football