MHONDORO — Harare giants Caps United were eliminated from this year’s Chibuku Super Cup following a one all draw against perennial rivals Dynamos.
The match was staged at Baobab Stadium in Mhondoro Sunday afternoon.
Dembare got their solitary goal through Bill Antonio while Brandon Mpofu’s deflected strike was not enough to save Makepekepe from kissing goodbye to the prestigious annual tournament.
Caps United was all over Dynamos in the first 30 minutes with Patson Jaure and Godknows Murwira working over time.
The duo of Leeroy Mavhunga and Richard Hachiro caused problems in the Dynamos defence. The Tonderai Ndiraya’s led side employed a counter attack approach but their effort could not yield the required results.
Newman Sianchali could have scored in the 40th minute but his lackadaisical reaction credited Brendon Mpofu.
Caps United got their scoring opportunity when new signing Clive August’s effort was blocked by hand but referee Allan Bamala controversially waved play on.
The first 45 minutes ended goalless. Dynamos came from the break a completely rejuvenated side. Their efforts paid off when Antonio Bill slotted home from inside the box beating Simbarashe Chinani in goals for Caps United.
The Glamour Boys continued to pile pressure on Caps United and with only keeper to beat, rookie player Tinotenda Chiunye blasted his effort over the bar.
Green Machine winger Leeroy Mavhunga who had a lively afternoon missed two clear cut chances with Dynamos goalminder Taimon Mvula rescuing his club.
Brendon Mpofu produced a fine run on the flank to receive a long ball from Diro Nyenye, his deflected strike earned Caps United a goal.
United could have scored a second goal after John Zhuwawu’s effort from the box was parried by Taimon Mvula. Commotion in the Dembare box resulted in a clear hand ball but Bamala, whose officiating was questionable from the onset, waved play on.
Despite the added five minutes, the two teams ended up with a goal each, resulting in Makepekepe’s failure to progress to the next stage.
Makepekepe gaffer Darlington Dodo bemoaned lack of accuracy in front of goals by his charges.
“We needed to win and stay in Chibuku Cup. We did everything but we did not convert our chances. One or two denied penalties could have changed the completion of the game but for reasons best known to the refereees we were awarded none,” Dodo said.
“We had only a few days of training but we got a good response. We sat down with the boys and agreed to train. We wanted a positive result and we managed to get it, though not enough to see our progress to the next round,” he added.
His opposite number, Tonderai Ndiraya, was happy with the result.
“Derbies always come with pressure but I am happy with my boys’ performance. We are through to the next stage and we are content with that. We keep working hard to ensure we keep grinding results,” he said.
Rookie Brendon Mpofu was voted man of the match.
