DYNAMOS . . . . . . . . .(0) 2
HIGHLANDERS. . . . (1) 2
A CAPACITY crowd at Rufaro Stadium witnessed a pulsating 90 minutes as Zimbabwean giants Dynamos and Highlanders played out a four-goal thriller in the latest Battle of Zimbabwe.
Unlike the cagey pre-season Charity match, where Highlanders eked out a 1-0 win, this clash crackled with intensity from the first whistle.
The visitors drew first blood in the 38th minute.
A mix-up between Clive Mandivei and Christopher Nettey handed Benjamin Adeogun a loose ball. He squared to Never Rauzhi, who slotted a precise shot past Tatenda Makoni, giving Bosso a deserved lead.
However, the complexion of the game shifted instantly after the interval. Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe rang the changes, introducing four substitutes—including Tellmore Pio.
The impact was immediate.
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Seconds after the restart, Pio unleashed a speculative long-range effort that goalkeeper Reward Muza inexplicably fumbled into the net.
The see-saw continued. In the 77th minute, a defensive blunder allowed Mongameli Tshuma to steal the ball, round two defenders, and score for Highlanders.
The celebrations were short-lived, though.
Just three minutes later, substitute Kuda Mahachi gave away a free-kick. From the set-piece, defender Colin Mujuru ghosted in to fire home the equaliser, sending Dynamos fans into delirium.
Both managers left the pitch with mixed emotions, though Highlanders' boss Benjani Mwaruwari appeared the more satsfied.
Mangombe said: "It was a game of two halves. Coming from behind twice shows the boys have character. However, I wasn't happy with how we conceded. Our last line of defence needs to improve."
Mwaruwari said: "In the first half, we dominated, but in the second half, they came at us from the very first minute. They were aggressive and quick on the counter. It was a completely different challenge compared to the Charity game"
The match ended in chaos. Referee Thabani Ruzario first appeared to send off Tshuma, but instead cautioned Andrew Mbeba. Minutes later, Witness Shave received a straight red for impeding Muza—then it was downgraded to yellow.
Despite the officiating drama and a US$5 entry fee, fans got their money’s worth in a match that proved this rivalry remains as fierce as ever.
Teams
Dynamos: T Makoni, C Mujuru, C Mandivei, A Gwatidzo, T Mavunga (W Shave, 46'), C Nettey, S Nyahwa, S Billiat (M Demera, 78') P Chikwende (T Pio, 46'), F Agyemang (L Mavunga, 46'), J Kasondo (E Njini, 46').
Highlanders: R Muza, N Chinyerere, A Ndlovu, M Tshuma, S Mhlanga, P Ndlovu (P Ndlovu, 65'), R Pavari, T Shenje, N Rauzhi (A Nkomo, 65'), L Mutumbi, B Adeogun.
