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Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
ZDF Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1

Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1

(Dynamos win 4-2 on penalties)

RODERICK Mutuma finally broke his Dynamos duck as he helped the Glamour Boys to lift the Defence Forces trophy at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

Since his return to DeMbare after a brief spell at their bitter rivals CAPS United, Mutuma had struggled to find the target but his goal was not enough to win the match for Dynamos in regulation time and the Premiership champions needed the penalty shoot-out lottery over battling ZDF Select in an exciting match before a full house at the giant stadium.

Mutuma, who rejoined the Glamour Boys during the transfer window and played three matches, got the much needed goal in the 89th minute when he connected a header from Takesure Chinyama.

But his goal was not enough for DeMbare to win the match as the ZDF drew level deep into time added on when former Dynamos striker Tinei Chitora converted from the spot-kick after Obey Mwerahari had been adjudged to have handled in the box.

Apart from the silverware Dynamos walked away with $9 000 while ZDF Select received $7 000.

There were huge protests from the Dynamos players led by Mutuma against the penalty awarded to ZDF Select by referee Pedzisai Chadya after he also flashed the red card on Mwerahari for the handling offence.

When calm was restored Chitora converted to send the match into penalties.

However, the league champions appeared to have been prepared for penalties as they had brought on first choice goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva who had started on the bench with Tonderai Mateyaunga being given the nod.

Mukuruva saved one of the ZDF kicks.

Dynamos converted their penalties through skipper Augustine Mbara, Chinyama, Sydney Linyama and Mutuma who also scored the winning penalty.

Former CAPS United midfielder Kelvin Bulaji missed his kick and Dynamos’ fourth but Mutuma who was receiving a warm reception from the crowd with his every move made sure with his decisive kick.

Chapungu striker Allan Tavarwisa took the first penalty for ZDF and it went over the bar while Chitora’s spot kick was saved by Mukuruva.

But defenders Brighton Chandisaita and Hillary Mugoniwa converted their penalties for ZDF Select.

Dynamos coach Tonderai Ndiraya said taking part in the festivities was more significant than lifting the trophy.

“What is important is the day. We are so privileged to take part in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces activities. The day means a lot to everyone in the country and we are so glad we had the opportunity to participate in the match.

“It also feels great to win a second match in a row. It is a very special Cup especially for me as my father died for the cause (liberation struggle) and every year I am one of those who goes to the Heroes Acre to commemorate the heroes who died for this country,” Ndiraya said.

ZDF Select were under the guidance of Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino assisted by Black Rhinos’ Thomas Chinyan’anya and goalkeeper’s coach Brito Gwere.

Nyikadzino said he was pleased with his team’s performance as the Select showed that “there are a lot of good players in the defence teams’’.

“I think we played very well considering the select team trained only for one day as Chapungu had a game on Saturday while Black Rhinos had a game on Sunday.

“Overall we played well and the match was balanced. It is unfortunate we lost in the penalties,” Nyikadzino said.

Teams

Dynamos: T. Mateyaunga (T. Mukuruva 78th minute), E. Muroyiwa, A. Mbara, S. Linyama, O. Mwerahari, P. Makaha, E. Opoku (T. Chinyama 67th minute), Z. Mhanda, F. Mupasiri (R. Mutuma 82nd minute), K. Bulaji, K. Nyakasuka.

ZDF Select: R. Mazingi, J. Mukombwe, H. Mugoniwa, C. Kwaramba, B. Homora (P. Chandisaita 83rd minute), D. Mbewe, J. Muzokomba (R. Mhlanga 65th minute), P. Khumbula (M. Mine 65th minute), T. Chitora, P. Marufu, A. Tavarwisa.