Dembare edge Bosso on penalties

Dynamos 1-1 Highlanders
(Dynamos win 5–3 on penalties)

Dynamos once again proved their composure under pressure, edging old rivals Highlanders 5–4 on penalties after a tense 1–1 draw in the Chibuku Super Cup semi-final at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.

The Glamour Boys, who have survived every round of this year's competition via shootouts, extended their remarkable run as Abel Gwatidzo converted the decisive kick to send them through to the final.

Emmanuel Jalai had earlier given DeMbare the lead in the first half before Highlanders substitute Melikhaya Ncube equalised with 20 minutes to play.

Both giants had advanced from the quarter-finals through penalties, but this time only one could survive. The decisive moment came when Bosso's teenage forward Prince Ndlovu smashed his effort against the crossbar, allowing Gwatidzo to seal victory for Kelvin Kaindu's men.

Kaindu, who remains unbeaten since taking charge in August, praised his players' composure and growth.

"I think there is a lot of improvement in terms of the way that we are keeping possession," said Kaindu.

"This was a game that could have been decided in the first half — we created good chances, made inroads in the final third, and even had one cleared off the line.

In the second half, they equalised from a half-chance, maybe we relaxed a bit, but I give credit to the team. When it comes to penalty shootouts, we've demonstrated that we are the best."

Dynamos' preparations had been overshadowed by off-field drama, with reports of a player strike over unpaid dues threatening their participation. The impasse was resolved late on Saturday, and the team responded with spirit and determination.

From the opening whistle, DeMbare looked the sharper side, pressing Highlanders deep and controlling the midfield. Their breakthrough came after 17 minutes when Vusa Ngwenya was fouled and quickly restarted play, finding Jalai unmarked. The fullback caught the Bosso defence off guard and cheekily lobbed goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda while the wall was still being set.

Highlanders players surrounded referee Arnold Ncube in protest, arguing the free kick had been taken prematurely. Their coach, Pieter de Jongh, known for his fiery touchline demeanour, was eventually booked for dissent.

De Jongh's men improved after the break following a triple substitution, introducing Benjamin Adeogun, Melikhaya Ncube and Brighton Ncube to increase tempo. Their renewed energy paid off when Andrew Mbeba delivered a pinpoint cross that Melikhaya headed home for the equaliser.

Despite pushing hard late on, Bosso could not find the winner, and penalties beckoned once more.

After the loss, De Jongh was visibly frustrated, directing his ire at the officiating.

"It's always difficult to play against 12 players," he said.
"The first goal, how Dynamos scored, was a big shame. Go write about that goal, please. But this is football — you win or lose in a shootout."

The victory keeps Dynamos' hopes of silverware alive and offers a welcome lift after an inconsistent league campaign. Highlanders, meanwhile, return to Bulawayo to reflect on what might have been.

Dynamos now await the winner of the other semi-final as they chase their first Chibuku Super Cup title since 2017.

Teams

Dynamos: Prince Tafiremutsa, Emmanuel Jalai, Abel Gwatidzo, Clive Mandivei, Issaka Mohammed, Tellmore Pio, Vusa Ngwenya (Temptation Chiwunga 56'), Shadreck Nyahwa, Frank Agyemang, Felix Hammond, Leroy Mavunga (Enasio Perezo 76')

Highlanders: Ariel Sibanda, Arthur Ndlovu, Brian Mlotshwa, Reason Sibanda (Benjamin Adeogun 46'), Malvern Hativagoni (Melikhaya Ncube 46'), Marvin Sibanda (Tendai Muvuti 46'), Andrew Mbeba, Never Rauzhi (Prince Ndlovu 68'), Darlington Mukuli, Luckmore Mutumbi, Atusaye Nyondo (Brighton Ncube 73')