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Dynamos Edge Highlanders in Penalty Thriller to Reach Historic Third Chibuku Super Cup Final

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.

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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.

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Transcript: VAR audio of West Ham’s disallowed goal

VAR: The left arm of Pablo comes across Raya and holds on to the left arm of Raya as he goes to win the ball.

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David Raya incident explained as VAR saves Gunners

Referee (REF): Chris Kavanagh 

Assistant Referee 1 (AR1): Dan Cook

VAR: Darren England 

Assistant VAR (AVAR): Akil Howson

RO: Hawk-Eye replay operator

When the on-field team is able to hear the VAR discussion, the text is shown in bold.

VAR: Possible foul on keeper.

VAR: Watch has gone.

AVAR: Goal given.

AR1: I don’t see any foul on the goalkeeper.

REF: On-field decision is goal.

VAR: Checking the on-field decision of goal.

VAR: OK, let’s play it through, let’s play it through. Let’s just get a feel now.

VAR: So, the keeper there…

VAR: Then it’s just a shot. So, it’s literally just a possible foul on Raya, what I’m seeing in terms of that.

AVAR: Yeah, and to make sure he doesn’t have it in his hand.

VAR: OK, let’s get a tighter angle on the goalkeeper please.

VAR: On the Arsenal goalkeeper.

RO: Yeah.

VAR: This one. Slow it down, frame by frame.

VAR: For me, there is a foul. Potential foul with the arm.

VAR: His hand is holding his arm down. That’s impactful, for me.

VAR: The left arm there, is holding, is across the body.

VAR: He’s across the head and he’s holding the left arm of Raya, there.

VAR: Which impedes his ability to get to the ball properly.

VAR: Doesn’t look that impactful from that angle.

RO: I’ve got a pole-cam angle.

VAR: Give us pole-cam.

AVAR: It’s like, Raya…

AVAR: Because that contact we’ve got there, we’ve got…

VAR: Just keep delaying. Just checking possible foul on the goalkeeper.

AVAR: You’ve got that straight behind him as well, look.

VAR: Yeah.

RO: I’ll go back to the original angle.

VAR: Yeah.

VAR: But this happens before.

RO: Do you want to see it at full speed?

VAR: Yes please.

VAR: Is it impactful on the goalkeeper that, for me.

VAR: Go back to the second angle you showed me, the second angle.

RO: No problem, just going to look now.

AVAR: Can you do a split screen on both of them as well?

VAR: This one here, this one. Yeah, give us a split screen. That one and then the first angle.

RO: OK, goalline?

VAR: No, sorry, this one and this one, thank you.

AVAR: I don’t like Trossard not facing the ball and you’ve got…

AVAR: I agree, it’s impactful, it’s just everything else that’s going on as well.

AVAR: Let’s say we’re saying that’s a foul, then what are we saying about Trossard’s actions on the same player?

AVAR: What are we saying about Declan Rice behind?

VAR: Yeah.

VAR: He still gets a hand to the ball, doesn’t he? When he’s getting to the ball.

AVAR: What’s your initial opinion as you watched it?

VAR: I think, for me, we send him for an on-field review to look at the possible foul on the goalkeeper.

VAR: And then we get him to look at the other incidents as well. I think that’s the best decision in terms of this.

VAR: OK.

VAR: Chris (Chris Kavanagh – REF), I’m going to recommend an on-field review for a possible foul on the goalkeeper but there are some other incidents to look at while you’re at the monitor as well.

REF: OK.

VAR: So, I’m going to show you a possible foul on the goalkeeper.

RO: This angle?

REF: OK.

VAR: The left arm of Pablo comes across Raya and holds on to the left arm of Raya as he goes to win the ball.

REF: Yeah.

VAR: I’m showing you that now.

REF: I can see the clear holding on him across.

VAR: Yeah, but then I’m just going to show you some, obviously, other angles on that incident, of players.

REF: OK.

AVAR: You’ve got Declan Rice and you’ve got Trossard.

REF: I don’t know what you’re trying to show me, give me a clue.

VAR: Trossard on Pablo. Just if you look at Trossard on Pablo. Give me a better angle on that.

VAR: I’ll get you a better angle.

REF: I don’t think there’s much in that at all, I’m happy with that.

VAR: Yeah, OK.

REF: That’s nothing.

VAR: And then if you just want to consider the actions of Declan Rice on Mavropanos at the back.

VAR: But the foul happens on the goalkeeper before.

REF: Before it, so… After review, West Ham number…

VAR: 19.

REF: 19. Foul.

REF: Just confirm his number again for me.

VAR: 19.

VAR: Yeah, confirmed.

REF: Mic open.

REF: After review, West Ham number 19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper. Final decision is direct free-kick.

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Breaking News: Defiant Florentino Pérez Holds Explosive Press Conference Amid Resignation Calls

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has vowed not to step down despite mounting pressure following the club’s worst season in recent history. Speaking at a fiery press conference on Tuesday, Pérez dismissed speculation about his health, accused referees of bias, and announced that he will call new elections at the club.

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Florentino Perez

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has vowed not to step down despite mounting pressure following the club’s worst season in recent history. Speaking at a fiery press conference on Tuesday, Pérez dismissed speculation about his health, accused referees of bias, and announced that he will call new elections at the club.

Real Madrid ended the 2025–26 campaign without winning a major trophy. The club was eliminated in the Champions League quarterfinals, lost LaLiga to arch-rivals Barcelona, and failed to secure domestic silverware. The disappointing season has fueled calls for Pérez to resign after more than two decades at the helm.

In a defiant tone, Pérez declared:

“I am NOT resigning. I am calling for new elections at the club. There are campaigns against me. But I’m still here, and I’m the president. People said I have cancer; this is all MADE UP.”

He emphasized his record, noting that under his leadership, Real Madrid has won 37 titles, including 7 Champions League trophies and 7 LaLiga titles, while insisting he should have won more but was “robbed” by refereeing decisions.

Pérez accused referees of favoring opponents and claimed Real Madrid lost 18 points in LaLiga due to biased officiating. He announced the club will submit a dossier to UEFA highlighting these grievances and referenced the ongoing Negreira case, a corruption scandal involving payments to referees linked to Barcelona.

“We are going to submit a dossier to UEFA so that they put an END to the case. The Negreira scandal is still causing repercussions,” Pérez said, aiming a direct dig at Barcelona.

The president also addressed leaks from within the club, criticizing those who spread internal disputes to the media. He defended players like Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni, saying the leaks were more damaging than the incidents themselves.

“The enemies inside the club who leak things? Leave them to me, I take care of them… TRUST ME,” Pérez warned.

Shortly after the press conference, FC Barcelona issued a statement:


“Regarding the press conference called by the president of Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez, we inform you that our legal department is carefully studying his statements and accusations.”

Pérez confirmed he will not resign but will instead call elections, allowing Real Madrid’s members (socios) to decide his future. He insisted:


“Florentino is NOT going anywhere until the socios decide he has to.”

The announcement sets the stage for a dramatic showdown within the club as Real Madrid attempts to rebuild after a disastrous season, while tensions with Barcelona continue to escalate.

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Scott Injects US$200,000 Into NASH Tournament Revival

Harare – Businessman and philanthropist Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya has partnered with Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to revive the National Association of School Heads (NASH) tournament, a traditional schools’ sporting competition aimed at nurturing grassroots talent.

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Tonderai Sakupwanya and Torerayi Moyo

Harare – Businessman and philanthropist Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya has partnered with Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to revive the National Association of School Heads (NASH) tournament, a traditional schools’ sporting competition aimed at nurturing grassroots talent.

Through his company, Betterbrands, Sakupwanya pledged US$200,000 towards the initiative. The sponsorship was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Betterbrands and the ministry, marking a significant step in promoting sport through education.

Scottland FC board chairman and Betterbrands Chief Operations Officer, Tonderai “Pound” Sakupwanya, represented the company at the signing ceremony, while Minister Torerayi Moyo signed on behalf of the ministry.

Betterbrands CEO Tonderai Sakupwanya and Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo sign a memorandum of understanding for the National Association of School Heads (NASH) tournament.
Betterbrands CEO Tonderai Sakupwanya and Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo sign a memorandum of understanding for the National Association of School Heads (NASH) tournament.

Announcing the partnership, Scottland FC celebrated the development on its official platforms, stating:

“NASH Tournament is back. Scottland FC congratulates club president, Honourable Pedzai ‘Scott’ Sakupwanya, through Betterbrands, for their partnership with the National Association of School Heads under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.”

Tonderai Sakupwanya emphasized that the sponsorship reflects Betterbrands’ commitment to developing young sporting talent and ensuring schools remain a vital pipeline for future athletes.

The revival of the NASH tournament is expected to re-energize schools sport across Zimbabwe, providing opportunities for learners to showcase and grow their abilities.

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