Dynamos in Uhuru Cup final

Sport
CLIFF Sekete sent Dynamos to the final of the Independence Cup trophy after scoring the winning penalty in a dramatic penalty shootout against a battling Harare City at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.

CLIFF Sekete sent Dynamos to the final of the Independence Cup trophy after scoring the winning penalty in a dramatic penalty shootout against a battling Harare City at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.

Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 Harare City . . . . . . . . . . 0 (Dynamos win 4-2 on penalties)

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TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

Augustine Mbara, Ronald Chitiyo and Themba Ndlovu had converted their spot-kicks before Sekete showed the swagger and conviction to put the ball behind the nets.

Harare City midfielder James Jam had failed to convert the team’s first spot-kick. Chrispen Dickson converted, but Misheck Mburayi watched in disbelief as his effort was saved by goalkeeper George Chigova while Maxwell Nyamupanedengu converted his spot-kick.

The match had ended goalless in regulation time. There was a moment of silence before the match kicked off following the death of former Dynamos’ Zambian coach Keegan Mumba.

Harare City coach Bigboy Mawiwi was naturally disappointed with the outcome of the match.

“The first half was 50-50, but we dominated play especially in the second half. We had four to five clear chances which we failed to put away and we got punished,” he said.

“I told the players during half time that the match was in their hands and they needed to bury their chances, but they failed. There is nothing you can do about penalties, but I am happy with the performance.”

Dynamos coach Kalisto Pasuwa said their early exit from the African Champions League gave them the resolve in the domestic matches.

“I think there was a motivating factor in the team. Being knocked out of the African Champions League motivated the player to pull out results in domestic competitions.

“Harare City dominated play in the second half, but it’s good for us because we did well in penalty shoot-out. I think we still need to improve defensively as well as offensively,” Pasuwa said.

Dynamos started off brightly with Washington Pakamisa coming close after three minutes following a wonderful delivery into the penalty area by Ronald Chitiyo.In the 16th minute, Phineas Bhamusi delivered a good cross in to the danger zone, but it found no takers.

Oscar Machapa also missed a good opportunity in the 33rd minute after his effort drew a fine save from goalkeeper Nyamupanedengu.

Dynamos appeared to be in control of the situation as defensive midfielder Stephen Alimenda bossed the midfield where he combined well with Walter Mukanga.

However, in the second half Harare City dominated play and created a good number of chances which they, however, failed to put away with Agrippa Murimba and William Manondo guilty of wild misses.