Chronicle Editor
Sports Reporter
Dynamos 1-1 Yadah
(Dynamos won 5-3 on penalties)
IN a dramatic Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final match at Rufaro Stadium yesterday, Dynamos fringe goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni was the surprise hero with a decisive penalty save in a shootout that saw them through to the semi-finals.
Despite struggling to find their form in the league, Dynamos managed to keep the pressure on Yadah despite falling behind to a stunning goal from Prosper Kafilapanjila in the 47th minute.
A late left-footed goal from the in-form Valentine Kadonzvo in the 80th minute forced the game into penalties with both teams performing well under the tense pressure.
Dynamos’ experience paid off as they remained cool-headed, tucking away all their kicks to emerge as winners.
Captain Frank Makarati led the way then Emmanuel Jalai, Eli Ilunga, Kadonzvo and Paga converted their spot kicks in that order.
The Yadah takers were good too, Jerry Chipangura, Tanaka Chikumba and Blessed Ndereki all getting it right, but Ariel Makopa could not beat Makoni, who replaced Martin Mapisa in the 90th minute, in what proved to be the winning save for a Glamour Boys side that had for most of the second period looked down and out.
Although they are out of the league title race due to a recent slump in form, their chances of retaining the Chibuku Super Cup remain well and up.
Dynamos will now face Manica Diamonds in the next round of the tournament. Perhaps the availability of Jalai and goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, who joined the team right from international duty in South Africa, helped their cause in a big way.
Yadah, on the other hand, couldn’t field star player Khama Billiat due to an injury sustained during national team duty and were left to rue the missed opportunity.
Despite failing to stamp their authority on the game initially, Dynamos got an early scoring opportunity that was quickly wasted by Emmanuel Ziocha, who beat Yadah goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya and then went down easily in the hope of getting a penalty.
Yadah almost made them pay dearly for that lapse but Mandlenkosi Mlilo headed his effort against the upright just four minutes into the game.
Ziocha was again on the wrong side of things 20 minutes on, looping over from close range after coming to the end of a Temptation Chiwunga free-kick.
Jalai tried a spectacular from outside the box but Kigonya was equal to the task.
Then Kafilapanjila pounced at the resumption with a low effort that beat Mapisa hands down.
After Kadonzvo’s equaliser, there was still more drama that resulted in Donald Mudadi being red-carded for a second bookable offence, a minute into the added optional four minutes.
Dynamos coach Lloyd “Mablanyo” Chigowe was relieved after the win after losing his past two league games against CAPS United and Chicken Inn.
“Of late Rufaro has not been the best hunting ground for us but in the end, we have managed to snatch something positive out of it,” said Chigowe.
“Dynamos are giants in the country and if we can’t fight for the league we have to be Cup Kings again.
But it’s not going to be easy. The road will not be easy, everybody comes organised, strong and determined against us.
“Thumbs up to the boys for the mental strength and being able to come back and make the difference in the penalty shootout given the nightmare we had against Orapa United in Francistown, and hopefully it means we have found a winning streak.”
His opposite number Thomas Ruzive regretted lost opportunities, especially after his boys went to sleep and conceded towards the end.
Online Reporter