Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TURBULENT-HIT Dynamos completed a tumultuous week in their camp when they became the biggest casualty of the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, crashing out of the Round of 32 following a shock 1-0 defeat by Southern Region Soccer League log leaders Hwange at the Colliery yesterday.
The upset came just three days after Dynamos were embarrassingly disqualified by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) from entering the Confederation Cup draw over a US$13 000 debt to their former coach Saul Chaminuka.
Ironically, the Munhumutapa Cup gives the winning team a ticket to next year’s CAF Confederation Cup.
While their fans were still to come to terms with the elimination from the continental game, Dynamos were bundled out of the country’s most lucrative competition, which guarantees its winners US$1 million.
Hwange produced a disciplined cup performance to edge Dynamos 1-0, with Morestuff Ncube’s stunning strike in first-half optional time separating the two sides.
Dynamos enjoyed much of the possession and created openings, but Hwange showed the greater ruthlessness when it mattered, before producing a resolute defensive display after the break to protect their advantage.
Ncube’s goal came against the run of play.
A long ball was headed into his path in the centre and the Hwange forward reacted brilliantly, turning before unleashing a thunderous first-time effort that crashed into the roof of the net, leaving Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni with no chance.
Dynamos had an opportunity to respond almost immediately, but Elton Njini failed to punish the hosts when he was presented with a golden chance from a Christopher Netty cross in first-half optional time.
Njini ghosted in from the blind side with the goal at his mercy, only to send his effort over the bar.
That miss assumed greater significance as Hwange tightened up after the interval.
Hwange captain Splendour Mwembe led from the back as the hosts absorbed pressure and frustrated the visitors, who struggled to turn their territorial advantage into clear-cut chances.
Burkina Faso international Ben Daouda Sidibé and Leroy Mavhunga had provided some spark for Dynamos, but their surprise withdrawal midway through the second half, with Frank Agyemang and Witness Shave coming on, appeared to affect the visitors’ attacking momentum.
Hwange held firm to complete one of the round’s biggest upsets and send one of Zimbabwe’s traditional football giants out of the competition.
Hardrock edge Kwekwe United
Hardrock edged past Kwekwe United 1-0 at Chahwanda in a Midlands derby tie that took just 40 seconds to be decided.
A good crowd turned up for the derby, with fans packing the VIP stands while the rest of the ground remained sparsely filled.
The atmosphere reflected the significance of Kwekwe’s biggest cup tie.
Neliswa Dlamini struck after just 40 seconds to give Hardrock the lead and that early goal proved to be the winner in a tight, physical encounter.
Hardrock had a chance to double their lead just four minutes after resumption, but the Premiership’s leading goalscorer Washington Navaya missed from the penalty spot.
From there it was backs to the wall as Kwekwe United threw everything at Hardrock.
Despite being a division below Hardrock, Kwekwe United were not overawed.
David Chipo and veteran Partson Jaure were resolute in defence, thwarting wave after wave of Hardrock attacks.
While Ian Nyoni and Takudzwa Chimhowa caused problems down the flanks, the midfield battle between Munashe Bamara and Trudah Mujawo lived up to the derby billing.
Kwekwe United keeper Takudzwa Jabangwe also pulled off brilliant saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
At the other end, Yeki Khumalo fired wide and Warriors defender Gerald Takwara hit the bar with a flicked header.
Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu admitted it was one of their toughest matches.
“It’s a derby. I think probably one of our most difficult games that we have played,” he said.
“The most important thing is for us to progress to the second round. This is the trophy that allows you to play in the Africa Confederation inter-club competition. And, also we are looking at the prize money.”
Hardrock are chasing a possible domestic treble as they sit second on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) log standings and are in the running for the Chibuku Super Cup, which starts this week.
Bulawayo Chiefs advance
Clive Rupiya struck after the interval to settle a tight, cagey affair as Bulawayo Chiefs edged AGAMA 1-0 at Luveve.
Once Rupiya found the breakthrough, Chiefs then dug in defensively to see out the win as AGAMA pushed for an otherwise elusive late equaliser.
Both sides struggled for control in the opening period, although it was AGAMA who had the better openings, but failed to convert.
In the second stanza, Chiefs grew into the game, eventually getting a goal before coach John Nyikadzino’s men showed cup fighting spirit when defending resolutely to protect the lead.
“We are happy with the result and, most importantly, we have progressed to the next stage,” Nyikadzino said.
AGAMA coach Godfrey Tamirepi felt his side had done enough in the opening half to give themselves a platform for victory, but were punished for their lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.
“We had our chances in the first half, but unfortunately we did not take them,” Tamirepi said.
MUNHUMUTAPA CHALLENGE CUP RESULTS
Hwange 1-0 Dynamos
MWOS FC 0-1 Herentals
Kwekwe Utd 0-1 Hardrock
Bulawayo Chiefs 1-0 AGAMA
Gwanda Pirates 0-0 (1-3 penalties) Jordan
