
The Harare giants were reduced to 10 men after a rather impressive Stephen Alimenda was given the marching orders for a second bookable offence eight minutes after the restart of the game for a foul on Takundwa Mahori.
But the Harare giants will be the first to admit that it was indeed a hard won victory over a Caps United outfit that gave them a scare especially in the first half.
As they say, it is always better late than never. DeMbare, well known over the years for their never-say-die attitude, had the last laugh, thanks to a wonder strike against the run of play by the man-of-the-match Ronald “Rooney’’ Chitiyo.
Rather surprisingly, Chitiyo’s goal was celebrated by a missile throwing Dynamos lot from the eastern stands, a scenario which delayed the restart of the game.
But it was Caps United who threatened to steamroll past their more illustrious opponents in a well attended Harare derby that, if the truth be told, never rose to expected heights.
Makepekepe had a dream start to the game, with good build-ups that revolved around their find-of-the-season Takundwa Mahori, the controversial Roderick Mutuma and veteran striker Thabani Moyo.
But Chitiyo could have stolen an early lead for DeMbare barely 10 minutes into the game, but was left to curse the gods after his effort at goal was hindered by the bar.
Eight minutes later fortunes appeared to be favouring Caps United and a spirited run by their captain Hardlife Zvirekwi saw him leave a couple of bemused Dynamos players, before finding bad boy Mutuma, whose hapless effort flew past the Dynamos goal.
There were chances for Dynamos striker Kelvin Bulaji (28 minutes) and Caps United’s Goodknows Mangani to steal it for their respective teams but the duo proved charitable.
But that was not so for Chitiyo as his 32nd minute goal was Dynamos’ winner, and with it DeMbare walked away $40,000 richer while Caps United settled for the consolation prize of $20,000.