They’ve done it again—Dynamos, the reigning kings of the Chibuku Super Cup, are back in the final for a record third straight year after surviving a tense penalty shootout against bitter rivals Highlanders.

In a match that had all the ingredients of a classic rivalry—goals, drama, and nerve-shredding penalties—Dynamos held their nerve to win 5–3 in the shootout after the game ended 1–1 in regulation time at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.

The Harare giants once again showcased their trademark composure in high-stakes moments, outlasting their fiercest rivals in a match that had everything: early fireworks, missed chances, physical battles, and a dramatic shootout. With back-to-back titles already under their belt, Dynamos now stand on the brink of a historic three-peat.

From the opening whistle, Dynamos signaled their intent. In the fourth minute, Emmanuel Jalai combined with Leroy Mavhunga to release Abel Gwatidzo, whose inviting cross went begging. The pressure mounted, and by the 14th minute, Vhusa Ngwenya was fouled just outside the box. Mavhunga’s curling free-kick tested the Highlanders’ defense, but Ariel Sibanda and his wall stood firm.

The breakthrough came moments later. Ngwenya took a quick free-kick near the halfway line, finding Jalai in space. The captain’s first touch was sublime, and his thunderous right-footed volley from distance rocketed into the top corner—an early contender for goal of the tournament.

Highlanders responded with growing confidence. Never Rauzhi’s dangerous cross was cleared, and Atusaye Nyondo’s header in the 34th minute forced a save from Prince Tafiremutsa. Rauzhi followed with a stinging shot that required a full-stretch dive, and just before halftime, Nyondo again tested the Dynamos keeper.

The second half saw Highlanders inject fresh legs with three substitutions. Adeogun fired wide from inside the box, while Dynamos nearly doubled their lead when Issaka Hammond’s tap-in struck the crossbar and Mavhunga’s rebound was blocked.

That missed chance proved costly. Andrew Mbeba found space on the right and delivered a pinpoint cross for Melikhaya Ncube, who rose above the defense to head home the equalizer.

With no extra time in this year’s format, the match went straight to penalties. Dynamos were flawless from the spot—Chiwunga, Jalai, Hammond, Pio, and Gwatidzo all converted with ice-cold precision. Highlanders matched them until the fourth round, but Prince Ndlovu’s effort rattled the crossbar, giving Dynamos the edge. Gwatidzo stepped up and sealed the win, sending the keeper the wrong way and Dynamos into yet another final.

Dynamos Line-Up:

Prince Tafiremutsa (T Makoni 90′), Emmanuel Jalai, Abel Gwatidzo, Clive Mandivei, Issaka Mohammed, Tellmore Pio, Vhusa Ngwenya (T Chiwunga 60′), Shadreck Nyahwa, Frank Agyemang, Felix Hammond, Leroy Mavunga (E Perezo 75′)

Highlanders Line-Up:

Ariel Sibanda, Arthur Ndlovu, Brian Mlotshwa, Reason Sibanda (B Adeogun 46′), Malvern Hativagoni (T Muvuti 46′), Marvin Sibanda (M Ncube 46′), Andrew Mbeba, Never Rauzhi (P Ndlovu 66′), Darlington Mukuli, Luckmore Mutumbi, Atusaye Nyondo (B Ncube 71′)

With the final looming, Dynamos will be eager to complete their treble and further cement their legacy in Zimbabwean football folklore. Dynamos will face Triangle in the final.

Harare – The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has officially parted ways with Warriors head coach Michael Nees following a disastrous 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign that saw Zimbabwe finish bottom of Group C with no wins in ten matches.

By Sports Reporter

Appointed in July 2024, Nees was handed a dual mandate: to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and to build a competitive squad for the World Cup qualifiers. While he successfully led the team to AFCON qualification, his performance in the World Cup campaign was deemed unacceptable by the ZIFA Executive Committee.

Zimbabwe’s Group C opponents included Benin, Lesotho, South Africa, Rwanda, and Nigeria. The Warriors failed to register a single win, drawing five matches and losing five, ending the campaign with just five points out of a possible 30. The team’s only victories under Nees came in back-to-back friendlies against Namibia, a side ranked significantly lower in the FIFA standings.

In a statement released Wednesday evening, ZIFA confirmed the termination of Nees’ contract with immediate effect:

“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) wishes to inform all stakeholders and members of the public that the Executive Committee has resolved to terminate the contract of Mr. Michael Nees with immediate effect.

The Association takes this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr. Nees for his efforts and contributions to Zimbabwean football during his tenure. His dedication to the game and his service to the national structures are appreciated.”

ZIFA emphasized its commitment to technical development and restructuring, promising further updates on interim arrangements and the transition process in due course.

The search for Nees’ replacement is expected to begin immediately, with pressure mounting on ZIFA to find a candidate capable of restoring national pride and preparing the Warriors for AFCON 2025.

Masvingo United Football Club hopes of clinching the 2025 Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League title were dashed after a goalless draw against Manica Diamonds U19 at Mucheke Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
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‎By Faith Ndou
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‎Una Una needed a win to keep them alive in the championship race going into next weekend’s season finale games.
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‎If they had won they would have been on 63 points, three behind FC Hunters who dismissed Tenax CS FC at Rudhaka Stadium in another top of the table clash.
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‎It would have made things interesting in the final day where Una Una face Tenax CS FC.
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‎However it was not to be as a determined Manica Diamonds U19 FC played the party spoilers.
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‎The reverse fixture had seen Manica Diamonds U19 being thrashed by Masvingo United FC 5-0 at Chisamba Stadium but this time, it was a different story.
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‎The Week 29 match began with high intensity, as Masvingo United FC came close to scoring early on when Agrippa Murimba struck the crossbar.
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‎Both sides pressed hard but the first half ended goalless.
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‎In the second half, both goalkeepers made crucial saves with Masvingo United FC creating more chances but failing to convert.
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‎Despite dominating possession, the home side couldn’t find the back of the net.
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‎The result sees Masvingo United FC move to second place with 61 points, while Tenax CS FC, who lost 2-1 to FC Hunters, has 61 points as well but an inferior goal difference keeps them above.
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‎The Marondera-based side’s win confirmed them as the 2025 league champions, taking an unassailable 66 points into the final match week.
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‎Fans packed Mucheke Stadium in anticipation of a title deciding win, with dignitaries in attendance including the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province Honourable Ezra Chadzamira and Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League board member Simbarashe Mandishona.
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‎Speaking after the match, Masvingo United FC team manager Josiah Chekecheke said,”We failed to convert the chances we had. It wasn’t an easy game but one we needed to win. We now shift our focus to the final match against Tenax. Today officially ends our title race and we congratulate FC Hunters for their success.”
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‎Manica Diamonds U19 Head Coach Hibron Makukutu praised his side’s performance. “The boys followed our game plan well. Holding a title chasing team to a draw shows great development. Our objective is talent growth, and this result is a massive morale booster going into the last match.”
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‎Makukutu added they are not concerned about their final fixture against FC Wangu Mazodze. “We will play with confidence. This result speaks volumes.”
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‎With just one game remaining, Masvingo United FC will now focus on finishing the season strong while Manica Diamonds U19 celebrate a hard fought point that brings them closer to safety.
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‎As emotions settle at Mucheke, the 2025 season nears its dramatic close with lessons learnt, dreams deferred and hope carried into the next chapter.