By Tafara Pande
Wadzanayi Stadium — Defending Chibuku Super Cup champions Dynamos survived a spirited challenge from Premier Soccer League log leaders Simba Bhora, edging them 4-3 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in regulation time this Saturday.
The match began with Simba Bhora in full throttle, Boid Mutukure stunning the Glamour Boys with a well-taken goal in the sixth minute. For a side battling league form and struggling for goals, Dynamos appeared to be staring at an early exit. But Ghanaian forward Felix Hammond came to the rescue, pouncing midway through the match to level the score and set the stage for a nerve-wracking shootout.
When the pressure mounted, Dynamos’ penalty takers held their nerve, slotting home four flawless spot-kicks to send the two-time champions into the quarter-finals and keep alive their dream of a historic third consecutive Chibuku Super Cup title.
Elsewhere, CAPS United’s cup misery continued as they crashed out following a 2-0 defeat to MWOS at Ngoni Stadium. Goals from Nigel Matinha and Arthur Banda ensured the Norton-based outfit booked their place in the last eight, leaving the Green Machine still without a Chibuku title to their name.
At Mandava Stadium, FC Platinum fell to Manica Diamonds 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw, while Bikita Minerals overcame a one-all deadlock to edge their opponents 5-4 in another penalty showdown.
Cup action resumes this Sunday with Scottland taking on Green Fuel at Sakubva Stadium, while Ngezi Platinum lock horns with Triangle in a bid to secure the remaining quarter-final slots.
