Bosso break DeMbare Cup jinx

Sport
TONDERAI Ndiraya made a worst possible start as Dynamos head coach losing to Highlanders in a ZNA Charity Shield final at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.

TONDERAI Ndiraya made a worst possible start as Dynamos head coach losing to Highlanders in a ZNA Charity Shield final at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday. BY HENRY MHARA DYNAMOS . . . . . . . . . . (0) 0 HIGHLANDERS . . . . . . (0) 1

Obadiah Tarumbwa struck the only goal of the match on 50th minute to ensure the new Dynamos coach had a day not to forget.

It was a memorable victory for the Highlanders fans who had long been taunted by their Dynamos counterparts.

Highlanders last beat Dynamos in a league match in 2006 although they recorded a rare victory over their rivals in the independence Cup final of 2011.

Highlanders’ fans celebrations after the match said it all. One would have thought they had won the league title.

The Bulawayo giants received $12 000 in addition to the bragging rights that goes with this contest while Dynamos got $8 000.

The winning coach Bongani Mafu could not hide his excitement at the end of the match.

“We have to enjoy this victory while it lasts, it has been a very long time,” said Mafu.

“The win is very good for the players, its something that they have worked very hard for and they deserve it. We have long suffered and I think this victory should give the boys a chance to at least smile about something.”

Ndiraya, who was in charge of his first match after taking over from David Mandigora who was shown the exit door on Friday said a few mistakes cost them the game.

“Its quite sad to lose a cup final but I thought my boys did very well,” he said. “A few mistakes and concentration cost us the game, but overally we controlled the game.

I accept it’s a long record that has been broken today, which is very sad but we remain hopeful. We will keep pushing and we look forward to the matches to come.”

Both teams fielded their strongest sides for the match and it was Dynamos who fashioned the first chance of the game as early as the fourth minute but Rodreck Mutuma failed to connect a cross from youngster Kuda Nyakasaka who was making his debut.

Highlanders had to wait until the 10th minute to get a sniff at goal but Tarumbwa dragged his shot wide after a well worked move by the Bosso forwards inside the Dynamos box.

Three minutes later, Tarumbwa showed quick feet to eliminate Godknows Murwira and Sydney Linyama before laying the ball to Rahman Kutsanzira who wasted the opportunity.

It was clear that Mafu had instructed his players to take shots from distance with Tarumbwa’s effort saved by Artwell Mukandi before King Nadolo and Kutsanzira also tried their luck from range but could not find the target.

On 30th minute, Mutuma’s first time shot was dealt with by Njabulo Nyoni in goals for Bosso. Moments later, Takesure Chinyama tried to be spectacular with an attempted lob over the goalkeeper which did not materialise.

As the halftime break approached, the big forward escaped Felix Chindungwe’s challenge on the left before crossing the ball for Mutuma, who again failed to connect home.

Highlanders started the second half with much intent and took the lead when the exciting Nadolo easily made his way past defender Augustine Mbara before crossing for Tarumbwa who blasted home despite the best attempt of goalkeeper Mukandi to keep it out.

It got worse for Dynamos minutes later when Linyama was stretchered off injured.

Bosso had an injury worry of theirs, after Kutsanzira was taken off on 73rd minute. Nadolo was very lively and on 76th minute showed great vision to pick out substitute Bruce Kangwa who could only flash his shot across the face of goal.

Dynamos pushed men forward in search of an equaliser but they were almost caught on a counter which ended with Kangwa rattling the cross bar late on.

Despite Dynamos’ attempts, Highlanders held on for a famous win.

Dynamos: A Mukandi, K Nyakasaka, S Linyama, A Mbara, S Linyama (R Kawondera, 65′), S Alimenda, W Mukanga (Opoku 83), M Mambare, G Murwira, R Mutuma (T Kudyaridzire, 74), T Chinyama

Highlanders: N Nyoni, W Chingodza, R Kutsanzira (B Kangwa 73′), K Nadolo, E Muzanenhamo, O Tarumbwa, F Chindungwe, T Ngulube, H Moyo, E Mudzingwa, S Munawa