Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Dynamos 1-1 Highlanders
(Dynamos win 5–3 on penalties)
DYNAMOS held their nerve once again from the penalty spot to edge Highlanders in a tense Chibuku Super Cup semi-final at Rufaro Stadium yesterday and book a place in the final.
The Glamour Boys, who have survived every round of this year’s competition through shootouts, kept that streak alive after the match ended 1–1 in regulation time. Emmanuel Jalai gave DeMbare the lead in the first half before Highlanders substitute Melikhaya Ncube levelled with twenty minutes left.
Both sides had advanced from the quarter finals via penalties, but yesterday only one giant could survive. It was Bosso’s teenage forward Prince Ndlovu who cracked first, blasting his spot kick against the crossbar to hand Dynamos the advantage. Left back Abel Gwatidzo then coolly buried the decisive kick to send Kelvin Kaindu’s men through and extend his unbeaten run since replacing Saul Chaminuka in August.
Kaindu, visibly elated, credited his side’s growing confidence and control.
“I think there is a lot of improvement in terms of the way that we are keeping possession,” he said.
“But this is the game that could have been decided in the first half. We had a number of chances, we made inroads in the final third, and even had one cleared off the line.
“In the second half, they made tactical changes and equalised from a half-chance. Maybe we relaxed a bit, but I give credit to the team. When it comes to penalty shootouts, we’ve demonstrated that we are the best.”
Dynamos’ preparation had been overshadowed by player unrest, with the squad refusing to train on Friday and threatening to boycott the match. A late-night resolution on Saturday allowed them to fulfil the fixture, and they responded the only way they know how: with fight.
Their body language from kick off betrayed no sign of turmoil. They dominated early play, pressing Highlanders deep and dictating the tempo. The breakthrough came 17 minutes in when Vusa Ngwenya was fouled and quickly restarted play. He found Jalai unmarked, and the fullback cheekily lobbed Ariel Sibanda while the Bosso defence was still setting up its wall.
Highlanders players surrounded referee Arnold Ncube in protest, but their complaints were waved away. Their coach, Pieter de Jongh, known for his animated touchline protests, was eventually booked for dissent.
The visitors regrouped in the second half as De Jongh made a triple substitution, throwing on Benjamin Adeogun, Melikhaya Ncube and Brighton Ncube to inject more urgency. Their energy paid off when Andrew Mbeba whipped in a perfect cross that Melikhaya headed past Prince Tafiremutsa to make it 1–1.
But in the shootout, fortune favoured the Harare side once more.
De Jongh, however, shifted his post-match focus to officiating.
“It’s always difficult to play against 12 players,” he said.
“The first goal, how Dynamos scored, was a big shame. Go write about that goal, please. But this is football, you win or lose in a shootout.
“That’s how the rules are.”
Both clubs needed this result to lift morale after a frustrating league run, but it’s Dynamos who live to dream of silverware, while Highlanders return to Bulawayo with only regrets.
Teams
Dynamos: Prince Tafiremutsa, Emmanuel Jalai, Abel Gwatidzo, Clive Mandivei, Issaka Mohammed, Tellmore Pio, Vusa Ngwenya (Temptation Chiwunga 56’), Shadreck Nyahwa, Frank Agyemang, Felix Hammond, Leroy Mavunga (Enasio Perezo 76’)
Highlanders: Ariel Sibanda, Arthur Ndlovu, Brian Mlotshwa, Reason Sibanda (Benjamin Adeogun 46’), Malvern Hativagoni (Melikhaya Ncube 46’), Marvin Sibanda (Tendai Muvuti 46’), Andrew Mbeba, Never Rauzhi (Prince Ndlovu 68’), Darlington Mukuli, Luckmore Mutumbi, Atusaye Nyondo (Brighton Ncube 73’)
