BENJAMIN Marere netted a first half brace as Dynamos put the disappointment of Africa behind with a 2-1 victory over Black Mambas at Rufaro on Wednesday.
After their bid to reach the last four in the African Champions League went up in smoke when they lost 2-1 to TP Mazembe in Kinshasa last Sunday, the pressure was on Elvis Chiweshe’s men to deliver.
Against the run of play, Dynamos – who were pegged back for large periods of the first half by Madinda Ndlovu’s men – shot into the lead as Marere turned in David Kutyauripo’s curling cross from a free kick after 34 minutes.
Before Mambas could recover from the setback, Marere pounced again five minutes before the break with a wonder strike which later proved to be the winner.
Mambas reduced the deficit with a 74th minute strike by former Eagles striker Isaac Madziva who was set-up by Kasimero Chimbadzwa from an indirect free-kick inside Washington Arubi’s box.
Ndlovu will feel his battling Mambas deserved a point from the game after dominant performances by strikers Richard Muteki, Madziva and skipper Sebastian Mutizirwa who all took turns to threaten the Dynamos goal but were guilty of missing good chances.
Mambas fielded five former Dynamos players -- Audience Rundofa, Mutizirwa, William Mapfumo, Lovemore Mapuya and goalkeeper Willard Manyatera who came on as a second half substitute.
The victory lifted Dynamos to 32 points from 13 matches, but they trail leaders Motor Action who have 41 points from 16 games.
Foiled ... Washington Arubi collects as Sebastian Mtizirwa looks for spoils