BULAWAYO – Barbourfields Stadium was a cauldron of passion on Sunday—sold out, bursting at the seams, with hundreds locked out. The air crackled with anticipation as fans flooded the Emagumeni area, turning the iconic ground into a fortress of noise and nostalgia. This was no ordinary fixture. It was the Highlanders vs Dynamos derby—Zimbabwe’s fiercest football rivalry.

Inside, the atmosphere was electric. Bosso’s faithful roared with every touch, while Dembare’s diehards answered in kind. This wasn’t just a game; it was a declaration of pride, history, and identity.

Highlanders struck first. In the 18th minute, Andrew Mbeba delivered a teasing free kick into the box. Amid the chaos, Brain Mlotshwa ghosted in and glanced the ball home with the faintest of touches. Barbourfields erupted. 1–0 to the hosts.

But Dynamos, stunned though not subdued, found their rhythm. In the 38th minute, Jairos Kasondo found space on the edge of the area and unleashed a thunderbolt past Ariel Sibanda. 1–1. Game on.

Just before the break, Dynamos nearly turned the tide. Leeroy Mavhunga danced past Arthur Ndlovu and whipped in a dangerous cross. The resulting header was powerful, but Sibanda pulled off a stunning save to keep the scores level at halftime.

The second half brought tactical adjustments. Dynamos introduced Temptation Chiwunga for Wisdom Mutasa in the 51st minute. Ten minutes later, Bosso’s Never Rauzhi carved through Mavhunga and Abel Gwatidzo, unleashing a venomous strike that Tafiremutsa did well to parry.

Disaster struck for Dynamos in the 66th minute when their goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa was forced off with an injury. Tatenda Makoni took his place between the sticks. Moments later, Highlanders squandered a golden one-on-one opportunity in the 70th minute. Dynamos responded with a swift counter, but Mushore’s cynical foul on captain Emmanuel Jalai earned him a yellow card.

Then came the woodwork drama. In the 77th minute, Kasondo rattled the upright with a fierce drive. Just a minute later, Reason Sibanda nearly mirrored the feat—his curling effort cannoned off the crossbar.

Despite four minutes of added time, neither side could find a winner. The final whistle confirmed a 1–1 draw.

On the pitch, it was a fair result. Off it, however, Dynamos were left to rue missed chances. The draw leaves them languishing in the relegation zone—a bitter pill for a club of their stature.

For Highlanders, it was a hard-earned point. For Dynamos, a lifeline slipped through their fingers. And for the thousands who packed the stadium—and the hundreds left outside—it was a derby etched in memory.

Highlanders vs Dynamos Line Ups

Highlanders Starting XI:
Ariel Sibanda, Luckmore Mutumbi, Brian Mlotshwa, Arthur Ndlovu, Andrew Mbeba, Mason Mushore, Marvin Sibanda, Melikhaya Ncube, Never Rauzhi, Atusaye Nyondo, Benjamin Adeogun

Subs: Raphel Pitisi, Mvelo Khoza, Prince Ndlovu, Tendai Muvuti, Malvern Hativagoni, Brighton Ncube, Reason Sibanda, Darlington Mukuli, Learnmore Muyambo

Dynamos Starting XI:
Prince Tafiremutsa, Emmanuel Jalai, Abel Gwatidzo, Clive Mandivei, Issaka Mohammed, Shadreck Nyahwa, Tellmore Pio, Vusa Ngwenya, Wisdom Mutasa, Leroy Mavunga, Jairos Kasondo

Subs: Tatenda Makoni, Keith Madera, Ramsom, Frank Agyemang, Valentine Kadonzvo, Enasio Perezo, Denver Mukamba. Felix Hammond, Temptation Chiwunga

Pic Credit: BhorAfrika