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A fan takes aim using a catapult during the Bob91 elimination match between Highlanders and Caps United last week

Phineas Mukwazo in Harare
Dynamos 1-0 Caps United
A 10-man Dynamos maintained their stranglehold over the BOB91 Super Cup when they beat Caps United in the final played at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.

The Harare giants were reduced to 10 men after a rather impressive Stephen Alimenda was given the marching orders for a second bookable offence eight minutes after the restart of the game for a foul on Takundwa Mahori.

But the Harare giants will be the first to admit that it was indeed a hard won victory over a Caps United outfit that gave them a scare especially in the first half.

As they say, it is always better late than never. DeMbare, well known over the years for their never-say-die attitude, had the last laugh, thanks to a wonder strike against the run of play by the man-of-the-match Ronald “Rooney’’ Chitiyo.

The diminutive midfielder, in an afternoon that he did everything required from a midfield genius that he is, found himself with acres of space and duly fired past a rather suspect Caps United goalkeeper Victor Twaliki.

Rather surprisingly, Chitiyo’s goal was celebrated by a missile throwing Dynamos lot from the eastern stands, a scenario which delayed the restart of the game.

But it was Caps United who threatened to steamroll past their more illustrious opponents in a well attended Harare derby that, if the truth be told, never rose to expected heights.

Makepekepe had a dream start to the game, with good build-ups that revolved around their find-of-the-season Takundwa Mahori, the controversial Roderick Mutuma and veteran striker Thabani Moyo.

But Chitiyo could have stolen an early lead for DeMbare barely 10 minutes into the game, but was left to curse the gods after his effort at goal was hindered by the bar.

Eight minutes later fortunes appeared to be favouring Caps United and a spirited run by their captain Hardlife Zvirekwi saw him leave a couple of bemused Dynamos players, before finding bad boy Mutuma, whose hapless effort flew past the Dynamos goal.

There were chances for Dynamos striker Kelvin Bulaji (28 minutes) and Caps United’s Goodknows Mangani to steal it for their respective teams but the duo proved charitable.

But that was not so for Chitiyo as his 32nd minute goal was Dynamos’ winner, and with it DeMbare walked away $40,000 richer while Caps United settled for the consolation prize of $20,000.

After the match, Caps United coach Mark Harrison said he was happy with the performance of his charges, but conceded it was still work in progress in terms of building the squad.

Dynamos coach David Mandigora was ecstatic with the win, saying it has taken a lot of pressure off them.

He commended his charges for working and playing as a team.

“The boys simply played well and fought for that victory. They put all the effort and I’m glad it has paid off. There’d been pressure on the team even before the league started and I think this will ease the pressure on the boys,” said Mandigora.

Teams

Caps United: V Twaliki, S Makatuka, H Zvirekwi, R Pfumbidzayi, J Jangano, G Mangani, M Muchenje (Crispen Machisi 74th minute), D Mukandi, T Mahori, R Mutuma, T Moyo (L Tsipa 54th minute).

Dynamos: A Mukandi, G Murwira, O Mushure, S Linyama, A Mbara S Alimenda, W Mukanga, R Chitiyo, K Bulaji (S Nhivi 65th minute), D Chungwa (M Makopa 57th minute), Q Amini.