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Dynamos scrap through to Chibuku Super Cup semis

Zimbabwe supporters can sense that they may need to book tickets to Cameroon thanks to the Brave Warriors solid start to Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Dynamos scraped through to the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals after a 4-3 penalty shootout triumph over a battling Herentals on Sunday.

The match had ended 1-1 in normal time, with Herentals marksman Blessing Majarira netting from the spot just after the half-hour mark to cancel out Quality Kangadze's opener moments earlier.

Goalkeeper Simbarashe Chinyani then saved two penalties as Dynamos progressed to the last four alongside Triangle, who hammered Nichrut 5-1 in the other quarter-final match played on Sunday.

CAPS United and holders Harare City had booked their tickets to the semis 24 hours earlier with victories over Chapungu and Highlanders respectively.

There was little entertainment value at Rufaro Stadium as Dynamos lived up to their league form with another underwhelming display, and they were somewhat fortunate to reach fulltime on even terms.

After surviving some concerted pressure in the opening stages, it was the troubled giants who seized the initiative on 25 minutes as Kangadze's angled grounder from just inside the box beat goalkeeper Frank Kuchinei at the far post.

Herentals did not need long to find the leveller, with Majarira dusting himself off after being fouled by Jimmy Tigere to bring his side back into the game.

Elsewhere, Triangle did not require the lottery of a penalty shoot-out to book their semi-final ticket as a Russell Madamombe double propelled them to a thumping 5-1 win over Nichrut.

Collins Dhuwa, Raphael Kawondera, and 19-year-old Delic Murimba were the other scorers for Triangle, while Washington Pakamisa netted the consolation for Nichrut.

On Saturday, holders Harare City outclassed Highlanders 2-0 to get closer to another Chibuku Super Cup title, with striking prospect Wilfred Muvirimi netting the opener with his sixth of the season on 22 minutes after a great ball from midfielder Learnmore Muyambo.

City, who have won the competition twice in its four-year existence, then doubled their advantage through William Manondo five minutes later.

Adrian Silla had missed a penalty early on and there would be no way back into the contest for Highlanders, whose youngsters struggled throughout to find their rhythm.

Nigel Makumbe had some bright moments, but on more than one occasion he was let down by his decision making. It was even worse for Denzel Khumalo, who in recent weeks had emerged as the team's principal instigator.

Instead, it was the Harare City youngsters who impressed, with Muyambo, substitute Tatenda Tumba, and especially Muvirimi all producing some eye catching moments.

Muvirimi, who turns 21 next week, impressed early in the season, but he had struggled for a starting birth in recent matches. On Sunday, he however proved he has the strength, speed and skill to make it to the very top.