FC Hunters defeated Dynamos 4-1 in a penalty shootout on Sunday to advance in the Chibuku Super Cup, following a 1-1 draw after regulation time. The first-round match, held at Nyamhunga Stadium in Kariba, saw Dynamos exit Zimbabwe’s premier knockout football tournament.
After a scoreless first half, Dynamos secured the lead in the 74th minute with a goal credited to Donald Mudadi. FC Hunters, a team from the Northern Region Division One league, responded 13 minutes later. Walter Sande scored the equalizing goal for FC Hunters in the 87th minute, forcing the match to be decided by a penalty shootout as per the tournament’s rules for tied games.
During the shootout, FC Hunters successfully converted their penalties to secure the win. For Dynamos, Elton Chikona was the only player to score his attempt from the penalty spot. According to match reports, Dynamos player Donald Dzvinyai had his penalty saved by the FC Hunters goalkeeper, while Emmanuel Paga’s attempt went over the crossbar.
The result marks an early elimination for Dynamos, one of the country’s most established clubs, from the 16-team tournament. In post-match comments reported by local media outlets, Dynamos coach Herbert Maruwa addressed the team’s performance.
“It is a painful result for everyone, the players and the institution,” Maruwa stated. “We are out of the cup, and we have to accept it.”
FC Hunters will proceed to the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup. Dynamos will now return its focus to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
