STRIKER Jaison Kasondo became the latest big Harare derby hero after he scored the solitary goal which gave Dynamos victory over city rivals Caps United at Rufaro Stadium yesterday. With a capacity crowd providing a brilliant backdrop to a tense and crucial encounter between relegation-threatened giants, the match lived to its billing. It was Dynamos who ultimately claimed the bragging rights and vital three points, courtesy of a second-half header from Kasondo.
The win sees DeMbare make a crucial leap up the log, moving two places to 15th with 32 points from 29 matches. They now sit level on points with their rivals, Caps United, who remain 14th due to a superior goal difference, meaning the relegation dogfight intensified dramatically with this result. The opening exchanges were dominated by Caps United, but it was Dynamos who produced the first moment of genuine quality on goal.
Kasondo forced a stinging save from CAPS goalkeeper Stephen Kwaku halfway through the first half. Moments later, the intensity ramped up as Dynamos goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa produced a stunning fingertip save to deny Kundai Benyu’s free-kick, which was destined for the top corner. Kasondo, despite his earlier attempt, then failed to direct his effort onto goal from close range soon after the half-hour mark following a brilliant square ball from captain Emmanuel Jalai.
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Caps finished the half strong, but could not break the deadlock, leaving the Derby finely balanced at the break. Dynamos started the second half with renewed vigour, and their brighter start paid immediate dividends just nine minutes after the restart. From an Abel Gwatidzo corner-kick, Jason Kasondo rose highest to unleash a bullet header, giving goalkeeper Kwaku absolutely no chance.
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