HIGHLANDERS . . . . . . (0)1
DYNAMOS . . . . . . . . . . . . .0
HIGHLANDERS FC edged arch-rivals Dynamos 1-0 in a tense Jairos Jiri Charity Cup clash at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
A 50th-minute strike from Benjamin Adeogun proved enough to secure victory.
Adeogun broke free on the left and from a tight angle, squeezed a powerful shot past Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni.
The two teams gave their hard-to-please fans a taste of what to expect this season, with a number of new signings and trialists taking to the field.
Dynamos paraded highly-rated winger Witness Shave, signed from Triangle, alongside Collin Mujuru, Trevor Mavhunga, Mandlenkosi Mlilo, Courage Bera, and Isaac Landu in their starting lineup.
Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari started with Tawanda Shenje, Rainsome Pavari, Nomore Chinyerere, Valentine Musarurwa and Shelton Moyo.
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The match was closely contested. In the 14th minute, Adeogun set up Prince Ndlovu, whose cross found Never Rauzhi, but the striker’s effort went over the bar.
Dynamos thought they had equalised in the 30th minute when Trevor Mavhunga powered home a free kick from Leeroy Mavhunga, only for referee Owen Manenda to rule it out for a foul in the box.
Highlanders came close to doubling their lead in the 77th minute when Ndlovu’s shot from Isaac Ngoma’s setup hit the woodwork. Dynamos nearly snatched a late equaliser, but Wisdom Mutasa’s curled free kick cannoned off the crossbar, leaving Highlanders’ keeper Reward Muzi rooted.
The match offered a glimpse of both teams’ early-season strategies. Highlanders’ clinical finishing earned the win, while Dynamos showed resilience and tactical experimentation under returning coach Genesis Mangombe, signalling an exciting Premier Soccer League season ahead. Mangombe was
impressed with his team’s performance, painting a positive outlook.
“It’s a game of football and we are still trying some combinations and see how best we can make the best out of the players we have,” Mangombe said.
“But I’m happy with the resistance and the way we are trying to build from the back.”
Mwaruwari credited his team’s composure.
“I told my boys they need to take this game as if we are in pre-season,” Mwaruwari said.
“Taking the pressure off them was key.”
TEAMS:
Highlanders FC: Reward Muza, Darlington Mukuli, Prince Ndlovu, Never Rauzhi, Archford Faira, Tawanda Shenje, Rainsome Pavari, Nomore Chinyerere, Shelton Moyo, Benjamin Oluwaritimi Adeogun
Subs: Aaron Ngwenya, Mvelo Khoza, Reason Sibanda, Marvin Sibanda, Luckmore Mutumbi, Brian Gijima, Shephard Mhlanga, Austin Ajoh, Mongameli Tshuma, Brian Jaravaza, Dominic Jaricha, Isaac Ngoma, Lawrence Mhlanga, Valentine Musarurwa, Kuda Mahachi
Dynamos: Tatenda Makoni, Shadreck Nyahwa, Collin Mujuru, Mandlenkosi Mlilo, Isaac Landu, Witness Shave, Courage Bera, Trevor Mavhunga, Jairos Kasondo, Leeroy Mavunga, Tellmore Pio
Subs: Enasio Perezo Jnr, Stanley Billiat, Frank Agyemang, Anotidaishe Gwatidzo, Clive Mandivei, Perfect Chikwende, Tendaishe Magwaza, Ashley Rayners, Philip Gweva, Prosper Kafelapanjila, Calum English-Brown, Wisdom Mutasa
