Dynamos Football Club has booked a place in the Chinuku Super Cup final after defeating arch rivals Highlanders (5-4) on penalties in semi final game played at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon.
Dynamos captain Emmanuel Jalai opened the scoring sheet in the 15th minute with a stunning strike, drawing first blood for his team.
The volley was perfectly timed and well executed, leaving the opposition goalkeeper with no chance, this set the tone for the rest of the match in the first half.
The second half started with both sides taking a cautious approach.
The Bulawayo giants, finally found the tempo and were rewarded in the 69th minute when Melikhaya Ncube slotted home the equaliser.
The match finished 1–1 in regulation time prior to that, the defending champions had to hold their breaths in the resultant shootout to book their place in the final.
The game had to be decided by penalties, where Dynamos converted all five of their spot kicks, while Highlanders’ Prince Ndlovu missed his effort, handing Dynamos a 5–4 victory in the shootout.
Dynamos will meet Triangle Football Club in the final, having defeated MWOS in the other semi final.
Apparently, the two giants failed to fill Rufaro Stadium to its capacity this afternoon.
Coaches’ comments before the match:
Dynamos coach Kelvin Kaindu: “Football is played on the field — if we could get a result before we played, every coach would win.
“It depends on how ready you are psychologically, physically, and mentally.
“Yes, history is there, but we have to play Highlanders first, and it’s not going to be an easy game.”
Highlanders coach Pieter De Jongh:
“It’s another big game in just one week. The good thing is that everyone is available — no injuries or suspensions.
“We’ll train today and tomorrow before traveling on Saturday. We’re looking forward to the match and will do everything possible to reach the final.”
Teams:
Dynamos XI: Tafiremutsa, Jalai, Gwatidzo, Mandivei, Mohammed, Pio, Nyahwa, Ngwenya, Mavunga, Agyemang, Hammond.
Subs: Temptation Chiwunga, Enasio Perezo, Valentine Kadonzvo, Alexander Mandinyenya, Keith Madera, Wisdom Mutasa, Tendaishe
Highlanders XI: A. Sibanda, A. Ndlovu, Mlosthwa, R. Sibanda, Hativagoni, M. Sibanda, Mbeba, Rauzhi, Mukuli, Mutumbi, Nyondo.
Subs: Raphel Pitisi, Mvelo Khoza, Melikhaya Ncube, Prince Ndlovu, Tendai Muvuti, Brighton Ncube, Mason Mushore, Learnmore Muyambo, Benjamin Adeogun