HARARE – Highlanders struck twice in an eventful second half in which Dynamos missed a penalty to win the Independence Trophy at the National Sports Stadium on Thursday.
On a wet and uneven turf which had just hosted Independence Day displays by the military in driving rain, Dynamos had the best sniff at goal in the first half but Ariel Sibanda made a superb double save from Tawanda Macheke and Ngandu Mangala on 21 minutes.
Highlanders found the breakthrough four minutes after the halftime break as Bukhosi Sibanda expertly netted at the top left corner.
Dynamos then twice came close to levelling matters. First, Mangala was denied by the upright on 65 minutes before they were given a better scoring opportunity five minutes later when Mbongeni Ndlovu handled inside the box.
Jimmy Tigere fired his spot kick against the crossbar.
The misses would not go unpunished as Highlanders put the game on 70 minutes with a lightning counter attack which ended with Tinashe Makanda tapping in from close range.
Highlanders skipper Ariel Sibanda received their trophy from Sports Minister Kazembe Kazembe.
Highlanders: A. Sibanda, B. Ncube, T. Ndlovu, P. Mudhuwa, M. Ndlovu, A. Silla, N. Masuku, B. Sibanda, G. Makaruse, R. Lunga, T. Makanda.
Dynamos: S. Chinani, A. Maliselo, T. Muringai, J. Tigere, M. Mawadza, E. Mhungu, J. Nyatemo, G. Mukambi, P. Siziba, N. Mangala
