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clash against Zambia at Rufaro and make life easier for themselves in the second leg in Lusaka.
Zimbabwe are fighting for a place at the All-Africa Games in Mozambique in September, and a win in the preliminary round would see them facing Angola in the first round — the last hurdle before Maputo Games.
And, yesterday, an air of optimism engulfed the training camp at Rufaro with Zifa technical adviser German Dieter Klaus Pagels assisting the technical department as the team went through their paces.
Mugadza, the former Mighty Warriors captain who played against Zambian coach Enala Simbeya during their playing days, is hopeful that her team will prevail over the neighbours.
“We have to win this match so that we make life easier away in Lusaka,” said Mugadza.
“We will attack as a team and defend as a team. We need to win convincingly at home and then see what happens in the return leg.”
Mugadza said they were able to watch the footage of their opponents in action against South Africa and observed quite a number of important points.
“It (Zambia) is a good side. We are not underrating them. We have seen how they play and surely they are a good side.
“But we will play our normal game and see how it goes,” said Mugadza.
Zambia will field basically the same team which played in the Under-23 Olympic qualifiers against South Africa last month.
And the Mighty Warriors’ gaffer said they would blend youth and experience at the tournament – which is open for all age groups.
Initially it was not clear whether the tournament was for the Under-23 team or the senior team.
It was then clarified it was an open age tournament by Caf but Zambia, who were playing in the Under-23 London 2012 Olympic qualifiers, opted to retain the team with a few additions.
However, this confusion has not affected the Mighty Warriors as the bulk of the senior team is made up of the Under-23 players.
Zimbabwe have a clean health bill ahead of the encounter and at yesterday’s session only striker Violet Bepete and Judith Lunga sat out with minor knocks.
Pagels said he was impressed with the way the players have adapted to what they have been taught.
“They learn so many things in a short space of time. We tried to improve the behaviour of the defence, when to open up and when to use the whole space.
“And we also tried to improve the game from goalkeeping up to creating chances.
“At times they remember very well and then at times forget the things they would have learnt,” said Pagels.
Zimbabwe would be banking on the goalkeeping exploits of Onai Chingawo while Mufakose Queens’ forward Marjoury Nyaumwe, who was the shining light when Zimbabwe played South Africa in December, is expected to lead the attack.
Vice-President Joice Mujuru is the guest of honour at the match and fans will watch it free of charge.
Warriors’ and Dynamos supporter Molly Machemedze has called on fans to come in their thousands and support the Mighty Warriors.
Zambia has declared war on the Mighty Warriors and coach Simbeya said they were here for business.
“First of all we have a goal. We want to qualify because we were booted out of the Olympic qualifiers and we are not taking this match lightly.
“I know Zimbabwe are a very good side, their coach is good, I have played with her before and we know what Zimbabwe are capable of doing.
“But we want to get a result and progress to the first round. This is a different game and the morale is high,” said Simbeya.
The youthful coach said they were looking at upstaging the hosts in their backyard and finish them off in Lusaka.
“A draw would be fine for us and if we lose maybe a 1-0 margin. But we are not here for a defeat.
“I will let the girls explore the game. We will not restrict the players but will defend and attack at the same time,” said Simbeya.
She added that the artificial turf would not affect them and her charges will just play their normal football.
“We use the natural turf in Zambia. But that shouldn’t be a problem for us because we are here to play and ready for Zimbabwe,” said Simbeya.
Zimbabwe Squad
Onai Chingawo, Chido Dzingirai, Patience Mujuru, Lilian Masase, Sheila Makoto, Nobuhle Magika, Rufaro Machingura, Danai Bhobho, Eunice Chibanda, Judith Lunga, Nomsa Moyo, Tsitsi Mairosi, Elizabeth Chaparangana, Emmaculate Msipa, Nomatter Mharakurwa, Marjoury Nyaumwe, Violet Bepete, Kuda Bhasopo, Samukeliswe Zulu, Rudo Neshamba.
Zambia Squad
Miriam Kamatanda, Twambo Chizyuka, Jessy Chabota, Debora Chisango, Susan Banda, Noria Sosala, Edinasha Mambwe, Etas Banda, Mupopo Kabange, Misozi Zulu, Chisala Musonda, Meya Banda, Esther Chama, Ennie Matukuta, Gift Lisaka, Mwangai Kamuti, Mulayi Wilombe, Annie Kabanji.
Online Reporter