Goalie shines as DeMbare leap into quarters

Curtworth Masango, Zimpapers Sports Hub

Simba Bhora 1-1 Dynamos

Dynamos won 4-3 on penalties

UNDERRATED goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni proved once again why he is Dynamos’ penalty specialist, coming off the bench to guide his side past Simba Bhora in a tense Chibuku Super Cup round of 16 clash at Wadzanayi Stadium in Shamva yesterday.

The match finished 1-1 in regulation time, with no extra time in the competition’s early rounds. As penalties loomed, Dynamos coach Kelvin Kaindu turned to his No. 2 goalkeeper for inspiration, the same man who had saved them in the preliminary round against Yadah.

Makoni delivered. He dived to his right to block Issak Guirirab’s effort, handing Dynamos the edge. With his team leading 4-3 in the shootout, Simba Bhora’s Donald Mudadi blasted over the bar, sending Dynamos into the next round.

From the spot, Dynamos were flawless through Emmanuel Jalai, Clive Mandivei, Felix Hammond, and Frank Agyemayang. For Simba Bhora, Never Tigere, Webster Tafa, and Banarbas Mutuche converted but it wasn’t enough.

The game began at full throttle. Boid Mutukure opened the scoring in the 5th minute, rising highest to meet a well-delivered corner. Dynamos keeper Prince Tafiremutsa was left rooted as the header flew in.

Dynamos nearly levelled in the 28th minute when Wisdom Mutasa found space in the box, but he dragged his shot wide. They pressed again in the second half, with Agyemayang missing narrowly in the 58th minute.

Kaindu’s triple substitution, Enasio Perezio, Denver Mukamba and Felix Hammond injected fresh urgency into the attack. The equaliser came in the 81st minute when Hammond struck after a brilliant setup from Mukamba.

Kaindu praised his side’s fightback.

“The team showed a lot of determination and character apart from the goal we conceded. We looked good in transition going forward, but I’m happy with the substitutions, they changed the game for us and connected for the goal. The win means a lot. You saw how our fans celebrated after the game. It shows they’ve been denied this for quite a long time.”

Simba Bhora coach Joel Luphahla accepted the result and shifted his focus.

“I am happy with my boys, we can’t fault them. The goal we conceded, maybe the boys were tired and lost concentration. We’ve lost the Chibuku Super Cup, and now we will be focusing on the league and Champions League.

Chibuku Super Cup

RESULTS AT A GLANCE

Simba Bhora 1-1 Dynamos

Dynamos won 4-3 on penalties

MWOS 2-0 CAPS United

Telone 1-1 Bikita Minerals

Bikita Minerals won 5-4 on penalties

FC Platinum 0-0 Manica Diamonds

Manica Diamonds won 5-3 on

penalties

FIXTURES

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