HARARE - Dynamos are through to the semi-finals of the 2012 Mbada Diamonds Cup after thrashing Gunners in an exciting match at Baghdad Stadium in Kwekwe yesterday.

The Mbada Diamonds Cup defending champions will meet FC Platinum who beat Shabanie 1-0 on Saturday at Mandava Stadium in a last four encounter.

DeMbare and FC Platinum met at the same stage last year with the former prevailing 1-0 at Barbourfields Stadium.

Man-of-the-match Denver Mukamba scored a goal in each half while Moses Muchenje had the misfortune of scoring an own goal.

Chando Kupisa started the match in explosive fashion but were caught off guard in the 13th minute when Mukamba found the opener.

The goalscorer was left unattended and skilfully beat Gunners defender Blessing Sande before unleashing a shot that was fumbled into the nets by Chando Kupisa goalie Clayton Dombo.

The goal spurred on DeMbare who from then on were on top of the situation.

Not surprisingly, in first half stoppage time, luckless Muchenje beat his own keeper when a clearance from fellow Pardon Chinungwa bounced off his legs and nestled into the nets.

In the second half, Gunners started the match like they had done in the opening half with substitute Valentine Ndaba combining well with Ishmael Lawe up front.

DeMbare, though, were looking very ominous on the counter.

Rookie striker Farai Mupasiri could at least have scored a goal from the numerous chances that came his way.

In the 78th minute Mukamba got his double after being setup by substitute Rodreck Mutuma.

The last year’s Golden Boot winner won possession on the right flank and beat an ill-conceived offside trap before squaring for Mukamba who fired into an empty net.

Gunners tried hard to come back into the game but were continually let down by their final touch.

There was a heavy downpour in the last 10 minutes of the game but Dynamos held on to secure a deserved semifinal berth.

Dynamos coach Calisto Pasuwa praised his players for winning a difficult game.

“It was good for us to win as defending champions because everyone wants to beat us,” said the DeMbare gaffer. “The guys played well.”

Gunners coach Moses Chunga, a DeMbare legend, blamed the defeat on a bumpy coach.

“It (the ground) is a soya bean pitch. It was difficult for us to adapt but Dynamos adapted quicker. We also conceded two soft goals in the first half.” - Sports Writer