Scottland FC lived up to their star-studded reputation in today’s Castle Challenge Cup clash, producing a ruthless second-half masterclass to hammer Dynamos FC 5-0 at Rufaro Stadium. The 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions are now under the guidance of veteran coach and former Warriors captain Norman Mapeza. The Cup serves as a curtain-raiser for the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season, with Matchday 1 scheduled from 06–08 March 2026.
First Half
The match began at a measured pace, with both teams probing carefully. In the 11th minute, Dynamos goalkeeper Nare made a crucial one-on-one save to deny Tymon Machope, pushing the ball out for a corner.
Four minutes later, Scottland’s Magwaza received a yellow card for a late challenge on Walter Musona. Scottland’s persistent pressure paid off in the 18th minute when Emmanuel Ziocha found space and calmly slotted home to make it 1-0.
Dynamos threatened sporadically, with Mlilo seeing a shot deflected and Njini’s header from a Leeroy cross narrowly going wide. Another Njini effort was ruled offside, frustrating the visitors’ attempts to equalize.
Scottland doubled their advantage just before half-time through Machope, sending the teams into the break with a 2-0 lead.
Second Half
Dynamos made early substitutions, bringing Mujuru on for Trevor Mavunga in an attempt to gain momentum. Later, Perezo and Demere replaced Mlilo and Shave as they searched for a breakthrough.
Scottland quickly reasserted control. In the 62nd minute, Khama Billiat entered for Tymon Machope, and five minutes later, Walter Musona added a third with a powerful strike, putting Scottland firmly in command.
In the 70th minute, Murwira and Mutimbanyoka were introduced for Issaka and Ziocha, while Knowledge Musona made it 4-0 in the 76th minute with a superb shot from the edge of the box.
Dynamos were reduced to ten men in the 84th minute when substitute Mujuru received a second yellow card for fouling Khama Billiat, earning a red. Scottland made further changes, withdrawing Knowledge Musona and Walter Musona for Nathan Mutasa and Gurirab. They both made immediate impact with Mutasa assisting Khama Billiat while Gurirab nearly scored after beating the goalkeeper.
The final blow came in the 89th minute when second-half substitute Khama Billiat sealed a commanding 5-0 victory, capping an emphatic performance from the reigning champions.
Full-time: Scottland FC 5-0 Dynamos FC.
Scottland FC Starting XI
93 Chadya
27 Issaka
75 Thwala
24 Moyo
18 Mudhuwa
30 Msebe
14 Moffat
8 Ziocha
10 Walter Musona (C)
47 Machope
17 Knowledge Musona
Substitutes:
70 Tafiremutsa, 22 Makwinja, 21 Murwira, 11 Khama Billiat, 5 Shidolo, 20 Gurirab, 19 Chihweta, 7 Mureremba, 66 Mutasa, 15 Manenji, 28 Mutimbanyoka, 61 Nduna
Dynamos FC Starting XI
36 Nare
22 Nyahwa
40 Njini
20 Mandivei
13 Mlilo
6 Pio
21 Gwatidzo
12 Shave
29 Magwaza
2 Mavunga
10 Mavunga
Substitutes:
4 Mtasa, 5 Mujuru, 9 Kasondo, Jr Perezo, Demere, Chikwende, Kafelapanjila, Makoni
Castle Challenge Cup Prize
The winners, Scottland FC, walked away with $35,000, while Dynamos earned $20,000. Beyond the financial reward, the match provides early silverware and a valuable confidence boost ahead of the 2026 league season. It also serves as an early test of form, tactics, and squad cohesion for both sides.
Dynamos, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, have brought back Genesis Mangombe this campaign to steady the ship and restore the fading giants’ status as a powerhouse. Scottland, meanwhile, aim to retain their Premier League crown and prepare for continental challenges, including the CAF Champions League, where they could face heavyweights such as Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Al Ahly, and Young Africans.
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