Dynamos' miserable start to the Zimbabwe Premier League season continued on Thursday as they lost 1-0 to How Mine for a second defeat in four matches.
Young forward Toto Banda capitalised on a mix-up between defender Lincoln Zvasiya and goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga to slot home just before the break and the Harare giants, missing several key players, just could not find a way back into the game.
Tatenda Sadiki came closest to equalising for Dynamos, only for his fierce grounder to strike the post before being deflected out by goalkeeper Bernard Donovan. Lloyd Mutasa's men were themselves lucky to escape further punishment in injury time as Kudzai Chideu's effort struck the woodwork with Mateyaunga a beaten man.
The result left Dynamos floating just inches above the relegation zone with one victory from their first four matches, making their next encounter against unbeaten top-flight newcomers Yadah FC a must-win affair.
In Bulawayo, Chicken Inn coach Rahman Gumbo was left fuming after watching his charges lose 1-0 to newcomers Black Rhinos. The 2015 champions were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Innocent Mucheneka was given a straight red card, and Rhinos took full advantage with Cliff Chitsamba netting what turned out to be the winning goal 10 minutes into the second half.
Gumbo, who has made no secret of his determination to win the championship this term, was disappointed by his team's overall show. "My boys simply did not come to the party. There was a lot of complacency as they underrated Black Rhinos probably thinking they were going to have an easy walk in the park."
On Wednesday, Kevin Bulaji broke the hearts of his former employers as his stoppage-time header enabled log leaders Ngezi Platinum to steal a 2-2 draw at home to CAPS United.
The champions had looked to be coasting to a comfortable victory after goals from Tafadzwa Rusike and Abbas Amidu, but Ngezi pulled one back through substitute Donald Teguru, before Bulaji drew the home side level his with hotly disputed equaliser deep into time added on.
Enigmatic striker Rodrick Mutuma scored his first goal for Highlanders in a 2-1 win over Tsholotsho in Beitbridge in another midweek encounter.
After a lukewarm first half, emerging talent Prince Dube thrust Bosso into the lead with a rasping effort five minutes after the break, and strike-partner Mutuma doubled the lead three minutes later. Lucky Nyathi pulled one back for Tsholotsho, but Highlanders could not be denied a third win in their first four matches of the season to climb into second place.
There was no such joy for FC Platinum in Zvishavane, however, as Norman Mapeza's charges slumped to their second consecutive draw at home to winless Triangle. The expensively-assembled team followed up on their 1-1 draw away to Bulawayo City over the weekend with a disappointing goalless stalemate against a struggling Triangle side who sit third from bottom.
Mapeza's charges are yet to impress this season, despite boasting arguably the best squad in the league, and the former Warriors skipper will need to get things right on the visit to Harare for a date against Black Rhinos on Monday.
Meanwhile, there was some respite for Sunday Chidzambwa as his ZPC Kariba beat stubborn Shabanie Mine 2-1 at Nyamhunga. Raphael Manuvire and Fransesco Zekumbawire netted before the quarter-hour mark, with the visitors only managing a consolation goal through defender William Mapfumo moments before the final whistle.