Simba Bhora . . . . . . . (1) 1
Dynamos . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
(Dynamos won 4-2 on penalties)
In a season defined by struggle and the constant threat of relegation, Dynamos found a glimmer of hope and a surge of confidence at Wadzanayi Stadium yesterday.
Their penalty shootout victory over league log leaders Simba Bhora in the Chibuku Super Cup first round match here was more than just a win.
It was a testament to the team’s newfound character and a potential turning point in their turbulent campaign.
For 82 minutes, it looked like it would be another one of those days for the struggling Harare giants.
A sixth-minute header from Simba Bhora's Boid Mutukure at the back post, stemming from a Blessing Moyo corner, had put Dynamos on the back foot.
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The early goal was a gut punch, coming just as the away side was beginning to assert themselves.
For a team that has seen more downs than ups this season, the weight of the early deficit could have been crushing.
Yet, they refused to fold.
Under new coach Kelvin Kaindu, who was in charge for only his second game, there was a visible shift in the team's approach.
They controlled possession, circulated the ball well, and, despite the lack of clear-cut chances, maintained a relentless pressure on their opponents.
"We did most of the things right apart from the goal that we conceded," Kaindu said after the game. "It was too early and maybe we didn't organise ourselves properly. But from there, we gained our momentum. I think we were good in terms of possession, ball circulation also."
The true turning point, however, came from the bench.
Kaindu's substitutions proved to be the magic touch.
The introduction of Denver Mukamba, Enazio Perezo, and Felix Hammond injected new life into the attack.
It was this trio that engineered the equaliser. Perezo’s drive into the box and a well-placed cross from Mukamba led to a scramble in front of goal, with Hammond pouncing on the loose ball to bundle it home.
The goal, coming in the 82nd minute, was a powerful symbol of their resilience.
With the score level at 1-1, the game went directly to a penalty shootout.
This is where Dynamos demonstrated a tactical shrewdness that has been missing for much of the season.
In the final moments of regular time, Kaindu made another bold move, bringing on second-choice goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni—a known penalty specialist.
The decision was immediately vindicated. Makoni's low dive to his right to save Simba Bhora's first penalty from Isasak Gurirab set the tone.
From there, the confidence was all on Dynamos’ side. Emmanuel Jalai, outstanding all afternoon, Clive Mandivei, FHammond, and Frank Agyemang all converted their penalties with clinical precision for DeMbare.
On the other side, after Never Tigere, Webster Tafa, and Barnabas Mtuche scored, Donald Mudadi's decisive fifth kick sailed over the bar, sending the Dynamos supporters into a frenzy.
The supporters went overboard in their celebrations, with some scaling the perimeter fence onto the pitch, something that the organizers will not be happy with.
The victory marks Dynamos' third consecutive win, though two have come via penalty shootouts.
For a team that has been struggling, these wins, however they come, are vital for confidence.
Kaindu is optimistic that this renewed spirit will carry over into the league campaign.
For Simba Bhora, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, especially as they were Chibuku Super Cup runners-up in the last two seasons.
Coach Joel Luphahla, however, was proud of his players, after he had made wholesale changes to the squad.
"I'm happy with my boys. I'm happy with what they did. We can't falter them," he said.
With the Chibuku Super Cup distraction gone, Simba Bhora can now focus on their title defence, as they currently sit atop the league standings with 10 games remaining.
They also have the Caf Champions League campaign to look forward to after they were yesterday drawn against Nsingizini Hotspurs of Swaziland in the preliminary round of the competition whose games start later in the year.
For Dynamos, the win provides more than just a place in the quarterfinals. it provides hope.
In the face of adversity, they showed character, determination, and a will to fight.
This victory could very well be the catalyst they need to turn their season around and escape the clutches of relegation.
Teams
Simba Bhora: W Thole, W Tafa, B Moyo (C Makambira 78'), C Mavhurume (D Mudadi, 53'), B Mtuche, T Mandinyenya (I Gurirab, 53'), B Mutukure, B Ndereki, T Kuleya (N Tigere, 66'), M Mushore (D Mudadi, 53'), N Tsabora.
Dynamos: P Tafiremutsa (T Makoni, 91', E Jalai, A Gwatidzo, T Magwaza, C Mandivei, S Nyahwa, V Ngwenya (D Mukamba, 76'), T Pio (E Perezo, 60'), W Mutasa (R Chingwara, 60'), J Kasondo (F Hammond, 76'), F Agyemang
