Dynamos’ quest to move within striking distance of log leaders, Motor Action, were dealt a blow after the Harare giants were held to a 1-1 draw by Douglas Warriors in a Premier League match at Rufaro Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
The first half was characterised by a dominant exhibition by Dynamos who created numerous scoring chances, while Douglas Warriors were more content with sitting back and absorbing Dembareâ€™s incessant pressure.
The Glamour Boys made their intentions known early,Â when Wonder Sitholeâ€™s free kick was punched back into play by Douglas Warriors goalkeeper, Lovemore Makwavarara.
The onslaught continued and almost yielded a goal in the 23rd minute when Murape Murapeâ€™s cross was deflected towards goal, but Makwavarara was alert to avert any danger.
However, with Dembare in overdrive and the debutants on the backfoot, something had to give. Dynamos were presented with a chance to take the led when they were awarded a penalty following an offence in the penalty area in the 26th minute.
Guthrie Zhokinyi stepped up to thrust Dembare into the lead with a well taken penalty.
Douglas Warriors responded immediately in their quest for an equaliser, but the crossbar parity from being restored.
Douglas Warriors came back into the second half a rejuvenated side and almost drew level in the 48th minute, but Dynamos goalkeeper Washington Arubi was in defiant mood when he pulled off a good save to keep Dembareâ€™s lead intact.
Douglas Warriors’ resilience culminated in an equaliser in the 57th minute when Milton Kureva headed home from a corner kick.
Rattled by the equaliser, Dynamos fought in vain in an endeavour to restore their lead.
Evans Gwekwerere was in the thick of action in the 70th minute but then Benjamin Marere failed to connect from his well calculated cross.
As the match wore on, Douglas Warriors grew in confidence and caused some anxious moments as a dramatic late winner proved elusive.
Dynamos coach Elvis Chiweshe attributed the draw to a depleted squad, while Douglas Warriors mentor Bevan Gwamure commended his team for a resolute display against their more illustrious opponents.
â€œWe played badly today and that was because we were missing quite a number of players.â€ said Chiweshe.
The point garnered took Dynamosâ€™ points tally to 29 and means 9 points adrift of pacesetters Moto Action, although they have three games in hand.
Douglas Warriors on the other hand maintained 12th position on the standings with 16 points from 15 matches.
In another premiership match played at Morris Depot, defending league champions Gunners moved to third place on the log following a 1-0 victory over Black Mambas.