Chapungu . . . . . . . . . . . 0 Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
THIS was largely an unconvincing performance by Dynamos, but it was still enough for the giants to see off Chapungu and progress to the final of the Chibuku Super Cup at Mandava Stadium on Sunday.
BY HENRY MHARA
Rodreck Mutuma’s scrambled 57th minute goal was the difference as the Glamour Boys confirmed a final date with Harare City.
Dynamos coach Tonderai Ndiraya attributed the low key performance to fatigue after his team made two taxing trips in a short space of time. “What we wanted is to get to the final and how we did that doesn’t matter. I’m happy with the boys; they worked hard to get the result. We were a little bit in the back foot especially at the end of the first half then I told the boys to keep their cool and be patient because remember we were playing under difficult conditions and against a good Chapungu side who we knew will fight very hard and they did just that.
“We will go out there and try to win the final because chances are now bright. We are going to face a City side who are high scoring so we will have to work extra hard.”
Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino said his side was just unlucky.
“We went to sleep in the second half especially when defending the corner that resulted in the goal. Dynamos really wanted the win and you could see how they attacked that set piece. I’m happy with the boys’ performance and not how we defended. I’m happy because nobody gave us a chance to reach this stage. It’s just unfortunate that we couldn’t make it to the final,” said Nyikadzino.
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Ndiraya made two changes to the team that needed penalties to see off FC Platinum in the previous round.
Sydney Linyama and Blessing Moyo both started in place of the injured Obey Mwerahari and Mhanda respectively.
Chapungu on the other side started with three former Dynamos players in Tineyi Chitora, Allan Tavarwisa and Phillip Marufu.
Dynamos struggled to find their rhythm early on against a Chapungu side that showed determination and resilience.
Nevertheless, it was Dynamos who created the first chance which was blasted over by Mutuma after three minutes.
There was a contentious incident shortly after when Dynamos’ Blessing Moyo punched Marufu on the back of the head in retaliation after he had been elbowed in an off-the-ball incident and DeMbare could have been reduced to 10 men early on.
Dynamos were relieved as referee Nomore Matemera after consultations with his fourth official who was near the incident, produced a yellow card infuriating the army side.
Takesure Chinyama could have thrust his team ahead, but he wasted the opportunity.
Chapungu were on top of the situation for the rest of the half but never tested Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva.
Chapungu started the second half just as they had finished the first and squandered a good chance when Dynamos reject Allan Tavarwisa escaped on the left and crossed for Chitora who slipped at the crucial moment.
The punishment for that glaring miss was immediate. Dynamos after a counter attack, won a corner which was floated in by Ocean Mushure with the defenders failing to clear and Mutuma pounced to hit the roof of the net.
It almost got better for Dynamos when Ronald Chitiyo unleashed a shot which was blocked by goalkeeper into Mutuma’s path, but the striker could not convert.
Chitora then brought the best out of Mukuruva with an audacious flick but the young goalie sprung to push the ball out.
Dynamos should have killed the game as a contest, but substitute Richard Kawondera somehow failed to connect home a good cross by Godknows Murwira.
Chapungu threw everything upfront including substitute Patrick Khumbula late into the match, but Dynamos held on for the win.
Lineups Chapungu: R Mazingi, C Mativenga, H Mugoniwa, B Mbavaira, B Zabula, W Ngonya, G Phiri, N Ncube (P Khumbula, 65′), P Marufu (X Ncube, 75′), T Chitora, A Tavarwisa Dynamos: T Mukuruva, B Moyo, O Mushure, E Muroiwa, S Linyama, S Alimenda, C Rusere, G Murwira, R Chitiyo, R Mutuma, T Chinyama (R Kawondera, 67′)
