KEY POINTS
- CAPS United came from behind to beat Dynamos 2-1.
- Lloyd Chitembwe criticized Michael Nees for sidelining his captain.
- Dynamos had a penalty appeal turned down in the late stages.
Warriors coach Michael Nees was verbally attacked by CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe, who referred to the German coach as a “clown.”
Chitembwe said that Nees had prevented his captain, Godknows Murwira, from participating in the Harare Derby on Sunday. In an exciting game played at Rufaro Stadium, CAPS United overcame city rivals Dynamos by coming from behind.
In the 39th minute, Dynamos’ Valentine Kadonzvo scored a goal after shooting through Ashley Reyners, the custodian for CAPS United. However, the Green Machine’s comeback was completed with goals in the second half from substitute Jayden Bakare in the 71st minute and Rodwell Chinyengetere’s header ten minutes later.
This was one of CAPS United’s sweetest triumphs, even though it wasn’t as dramatic as their 3-2 comeback against Highlanders at the same location a few weeks ago. Chitembwe, however, chose to criticise Nees for removing Murwira from the game during the post-match press conference rather than celebrate.
Chitembwe blasts Nees for removing Murwira from a crucial match
Murwira travelled to South Africa with a group of Warriors players who play locally in preparation for this week’s back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Namibia.
Chitembwe argued that local players should have been allowed to participate in their home matches, especially since European-based players were representing their clubs. For this reason, Dynamos missed their captain, Emmanuel Jalai, despite goalkeeper Martin Mapisa being allowed to play, even though he was part of the Warriors team.
He voiced his displeasure with the uneven handling of players, alleging that players residing in the area were threatened with exclusion from future national team selections if they failed to make their flight.
“God knows Murwira’s unavailability was the main topic of conversation for me today. I’m let down. I’m the kind of guy who doesn’t hold back. I don’t give a damn about what people think, but what occurred with God knows disappointed me. Our captain is a vital member of the team. He was crucial to the outcome of this crucial game. However, it’s regrettable if a clown believes they can decide for my team,” Chitembwe remarked.
“Andre Onana (Manchester United custodian) played yesterday, even though Cameroon is also competing in the same tournament,” he said, mentioning other players. Jordan Zemura and Khama Billiat both played for their clubs yesterday. Then someone in this room wants to make changes. This is not the first competition in which the national team has competed. Their tendency to listen more to a white person, or murungu, than to another African, suggests that skin colour is the root of the issue. It’s really regrettable. This is not necessary for football.”
Chitembwe stated what he regarded to be intimidation methods as well: “They even intimidated players, stating that they would not be considered in the future if they do not respond to this call-up.”
Dynamos were left frustrated after the penalty appeal denial late in the game
In the first half, Caps United was largely reliant on free kicks around the Dynamos’ penalty area as they struggled to generate opportunities. But in the second half, they gained steam. Even though Dynamos almost doubled their lead, CAPS United pulled one back in the 71st minute when Bakare and Dzvinyai, a Dynamos defender, touched a cross from Chinyengetere, tricking Mapisa into the net.
In the 81st minute, Chinyengetere finished the comeback with a header from a free kick awarded by Eric Manokore.
When Emmanuel Paga’s shot seemed to strike a defender’s hand, Dynamos had their penalty appeal dismissed, causing a brief uproar in the crowd. Late in the game, Reyners stopped a shot from substitute Diego Musiiwa, but CAPS United held on to win their first game against Dynamos since 2019.
