Highlanders Beat Dynamos To Lift Independence Cup
Highlanders lifted the 2022 Independence Cup after beating Dynamos 1-0 in the final played on Monday.
A Stanely Ngala second-half strike at a packed Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo brought Bosso its eighth Independence trophy.
Dynamos finished the match with 10 men after Shadreck Nyahwa was shown a straight red card in the 87th minute for a dangerous high tackle on Mbongeni Ndlovu.
Speaking to the media after the match, DeMbare coach Tonderai Ndiraya, congratulated Highlanders for their victory. He said:
Football is the winner today. Most importantly, the atmosphere was electrifying and we really enjoyed the match.
We wish this could be the case week in, week out. We want people back in the stadium, but most importantly I’m happy that the day has ended with such an electrifying atmosphere.
As you saw, people were happy and congratulations to Highlanders. We’re happy 42 years of freedom, I’m happy despite us losing today.
Highlanders coach Mandla Mpofu dedicated the win to the multitude of Bosso fans who came to the stadium for the Independence Day celebrations. Said Mpofu:
It feels good to win the Independence Cup. This victory is for the multitude of fans who came to celebrate our Independence.
As much as it was more of a friendly encounter, as I said during the course of the week, it doesn’t matter what’s at stake when you play Dynamos, you always want to win.
Today I’m happy, a very tough game, a very tactical game. The most important thing was to make sure the cup stays here.
We need to cut our celebrations because in five days’ time we’re playing FC Platinum.
Teams
Highlanders: Ariel Sibanda, Andrew Mbeba, Mbongeni Ndlovu, Andrew Tandi, Peter Muduhwa, Nqobizitha Masuku, Rahman Kutsanzira (Washington Navaya, 45th minute), Devine Mhindirira Stanley Ngala, Adrian Silla (Joel Ngodzo, 80th minute), Lynoth Chikuhwa (Darlington Mukuli, 90th minute)
Dynamos: Taimon Mvula, Shadreck Nyahwa, Brendon Mpofu, Patson Jaure, Frank Makarati, Keith Murera, Godknows Murwira (Emmanuel Jalai, 77th minute), Ralph Kawondera, Emmanuel Paga (Evans Katema, 59th minute), Bill Antonio, Tinashe Makanda (Issa Sadiki, 55th minute)
