Dynamos 2-0 CAPS United
HARARE – Dynamos’ serene progress back to the top of Zimbabwean football was emphasised with a dominant display over CAPS United as they secured their place in the final of the Chibuku Super Cup on Sunday.
Genesis Mangombe’s men will meet Premier League leaders Ngezi Platinum in the final. Ngezi overcame Black Rhinos 3-0 on Saturday, their goals coming in the second half from Malvin Gaki, Marlvin Kwinjo and Claude Mapoka who struck three minutes before the final whistle.
Following a slow start to the season, Dynamos have polished their act and now find themselves the only team with any realistic chance of catching Ngezi in the league as early season pacesetters Highlanders drift further behind.
In a full-blooded derby at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday, CAPS United threatened early on from set-pieces.
Dynamos shot stopper Prince Tafiremutsa tipped Rodwell Chinyengetere’s freekick over early on and was called into action again on 26 minutes to divert Godknows Murwira’s low freekick round his right post.
United came knocking again on 35 minutes as another Murwira freekick caused panic in the Dynamos box. This time, Tafiremutsa let the ball escape his grasp but his defence averted danger and swept the ball away to safety.
United were made to pay for their missed opportunities as Dynamos found the opener on the stroke of halftime. Issa Sadiki exposed Ashley Rayners’ poor positioning as he curled a freekick over the wall and into the net from the edge of the box.
United huffed and puffed as they battled to find their way back into the match but they were guilty of profligacy in front of goal, much to the frustrations of their coach Lloyd Chitembwe.
Dynamos made their win safe as full time approach. With United overcommitting players forward, Elton Chikona gained possession in his own half and raced towards Rayners’ goal. Rayners rushed to meet him but the rookie calmly went round the keeper and rolled the ball into an empty net. Cue the Dynamos celebrations as they sealed their third win over United this season, having completed the league double over the old enemy.
The win keeps Dynamos’ league and cup double dream alive. They trail Ngezi Platinum by eight points, which could narrow to five as they have a game in hand – with five matches still to play.
