Defending Chibuku Super Cup champions Dynamos kept their dream of a third consecutive title alive after edging Premier Soccer League log leaders Simba Bhora 4-3 on penalties at Wadzanayi Stadium on Saturday.
Despite their struggles in league competition this season, the Glamour Boys once again showed their cup pedigree, navigating past one of the toughest sides in the land. The match ended 1-1 after regulation time before a tense penalty shootout decided the outcome.
Simba Bhora, who have been impressive in the league, made a blistering start to the tie when Boid Mutukure found the net in just the sixth minute, sending the home fans into early celebrations. Dynamos, however, refused to be overawed. Their response came courtesy of Ghanaian forward Felix Hammond, whose well-taken goal restored parity and swung the momentum back in favour of the visitors.
Both sides created chances in an evenly contested second half, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough, sending the fixture into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Dynamos held their nerve from the spot, converting four of their kicks with precision, while Simba Bhora faltered once, allowing the Harare giants to claim victory.
The result means Dynamos move into the quarter-finals, keeping alive their hopes of a remarkable hat-trick of Chibuku Super Cup triumphs. For Simba Bhora, the exit will sting, particularly given their strong league form, but they will now turn their attention back to maintaining their position at the summit of the PSL.
With their cup credentials reaffirmed, Dynamos will be eager to build momentum in the competition — and perhaps use it as a platform to revive their stuttering league campaign.
