Dynamos beat Highlanders…again

HARARE – Defending champions Dynamos edged Highlanders 3-2 in a pulsating 5-goal thriller at Rufaro Stadium in Harare. The win extended DeMbare’s dominance over the Bulawayo giants to 9 years and counting.

Highlanders raced into the lead after Knox Mutizwa converted from the penalty spot after Augustine Mbara brought down Obadiah Tarumbwa in the penalty box. But a first half brace by Ronald Chitiyo saw Dynamos take charge.

Frustrated Bosso supporters threw missiles onto the pitch, unhappy with decisions by the referee, which went against them.

In the second half Bosso came back into the match after grabbing a crucial goal through Mutizwa’s second goal to make it 2-2. But a Quadr Amini strike on 78 minutes ensured DeMbare maintained their 9-year dominance.

Highlanders coach Bongani Mafu said, “It’s a game we should have won. We played well; we dominated but we couldn’t hold on to the win. There is lack of maturity when you lead and fail to hold onto the win.

“Our team needs a win. We need to finish off games and this result is not good for ourselves. It’s not good for our supporters. Highlanders is a good brand and we need to win our matches,” Mafu is quoted saying.

Dynamos coach David Mandigora was pleased with the result.

“I am particularly happy that we got three points. It’s a great victory for us. We want to thank our supporters. They were our twelfth man today,” he said.

“We played well but Highlanders were the better side in the second half. They dominated but I was not happy with conceding a goal soon after halftime.”

Teams

Dynamos: T Mukuruva, O Mwerahari, A Mbara, E Muroiwa, O Mushure, Q Amini, (B Moyo 85th), G Murwira, S Alimenda, M Mambare, (K Bulaji 65th) R Chitiyo, D Chungwa (F Mupasiri 70th)

Highlanders: A Sibanda, W Chingodza, H Moyo, E Mudzingwa, B Kangwa, S Munawa (N Masuku 46th), R Kutsanzira (S Sithole 87th), K Nadolo, E Muzanenhamo, O Tarumbwa, K Mutizwa