Ncube strike sends Dynamos crashing out of Munhumutapa Cup

Hwange FC proved why they are Southern Region Division One log leaders after stunning Harare giants Dynamos 1-0 in an entertaining Munhumutapa Challenge Cup Round of 32 tie played at the Colliery Stadium yesterday.

The match was complemented by a beautiful crowd that turned Colliery into a cauldron of noise and color.

It was end-to-end action from the first whistle. Hwange drew first blood on the stroke of halftime through Morestaff Ncube, who finished a clinical breakaway to send the home fans into celebration.

The second half saw a different Hwange side. Coach Njabulo Dube’s men came back with a clear mind that they would defend, and defend they did.

Dynamos piled on the pressure but could not find a way past the resolute Chipangano defense and goalkeeper Peter Mushure, who was outstanding between the sticks.

Dube said the game plan was to absorb pressure and hit DeMbare on the break.

“The plan was making sure we hit them on counter attacks. When they open spaces at the back we can utilize those spaces so that we can punish them. Football is about consistency and it’s every coach’s wish to play in the finals,”said Dube.

A dejected Dynamos head coach Aristică Cioabă blamed morale after Saul missing out in the CAF Confederation Cup.

“It wasn’t our day. We tried but we couldn’t convert our chances. We now shift focus to the league. We were fighting to play in the CAF but again we’re not playing. The morale is down,” said the Dynamos gaffer.

Hwange’s win means they march into the Round of 16 of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.

They are joined by fellow Southern Region Division One side Jordan, who edged Gwanda Pirates 3-1 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

MUNHUMUTAPA CHALLENGE CUP ROUND OF 32 RESULTS

Hwange 1-0 Dynamos
MWOS FC 0-1 Herentals
Kwekwe United 0-1 Hardrock
Bulawayo Chiefs 1-0 Agama
Gwanda Pirates 0-0 (1-3 pens) Jordan

Chipangano will now wait for the Round of 16 draw as the coal mining town dreams of cup glory.