By Sports writer
DYNAMOS are the 2025 Castle Challenge Cup winners after a 5-3 penalty shoot out victory over Simba Bhora at Rufaro Stadium.
The match had ended 1-1 after extra time on a rainy afternoon in the capital.
Simba Bhora took the lead early in the second half courtesy of Isheanesu Mauchi’s headed goal off an Ishmael Nyanhi corner.
Dembare levelled matters four minutes before time with defender Clive Mandiveyi scoring on his debut, rolling the ball past Simba Bhora goalkeeper, Tonderai Mateyaunga off a set piece.
There was however, no winner after extra time as both sides failed to express their normal game due to the slippery pitch.
Dynamos scored all of their five penalties through Temptation Chiwunga, Emmanuel Jalai,Donald Dzvinyai, Clive Mandiveyi and Abel Gwatidzo.
The trio of Blessing Moyo,Harrison Masina and Never Tigere scored for the league champions.
Defender, Nyanhi who had an outstanding game, had his spot kick saved by Dynamos goalkeeper, Prince Tafiremutsa.
The Castle Challenge Cup is the season’s opener and is played by the league champions from the previous season against the Chibuku super Cup winners.
The Challenge Cup marks the start of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) which will kick off next weekend.
Dynamos coach, Lloyd Chigowe was proud of how his players applied themselves.
“Dynamos is Dynamos, the biggest club in the country, the most successful club as well, you can’t take that away from them,” he said.
“There are always hiccups here and there, losing a large chunk of players but still finding good replacements to make the seven million supporters happy.
He added that, despite the victory, he was still looking to strengthen his squad by adding a few experienced players.
“We still have four slots, and I am looking to make those additions and bring in experienced players,”added Chigowe.
Simba Bhora coach Joel Luphahla did not bury his head in the sand, saying he was happy with how his charges played.
He however, admitted that allowing the match to go to penalties tipped the scales in Dembare’s favour.
“Penalties can go either way, we knew that if we got to penalties we would struggle because we were playing a team that everyone did not give a chance,” Luphahla said.
“I am happy with my boys, how we played, we are building a new team.
“The boys played well, the season opener is always difficult with the fitness levels but with what I saw we have a good team to build going forward.”
