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THE Zimbabwe senior national men’s soccer team are 90 minutes from a fourth uninterrupted appearance at the African Nations Championship when they meet Lesotho in the second leg at Setsotso Stadium in Maseru this afternoon.
Zimbabwe have qualified for the three previous editions of the competition which is meant for players plying their trade in their own local leagues. In 2009 the event was held in Cote d’Ivoire, in 2011 the finals took place in Sudan and last year’s tournament was staged in South Africa where the Warriors finished fourth.
The Warriors carry a two-goal advantage over Likuena tsa Lesotho heading into the second leg following their 3-1 victory in the first leg staged at Barbourfields Stadium last Sunday. A brace by Rodreck Mutuma and a strike by skipper Danny Phiri gave the Warriors the win. Zimbabwe will, however, have to guard against complacency as a 2-0 triumph for Lesotho is enough to secure the mountainous kingdom a ticket to Rwanda next year.
How Mine goalkeeper Donovan Bernard is highly expected to keep his place in goals ahead of Elvis Chipezeze. Teenage Hadebe, Blessing Moyo, Stephen Makatuka and Ocean Mushure should make up a good defensive cover for Bernard.
In the middle of the park, captain Phiri, versatile Hardlife Zvirekwi, Bruce Kangwa, speedy winger Marshal Mudehwe are the men with the task of creating opportunities for the strikers. Last Sunday, Knox Mutizwa as well as Mutuma started upfront.
Coach Callisto Pasuwa has other options with Brian Muzondiwa, Raphael Manuvire and Edmore Chirambadare also proven goal scorers.
Minister of Sport and Recreation Makhosini Hlongwane will be in Lesotho tomorrow to support the Warriors. Yesterday Hlongwane said Zimbabwean football has to continue on a victorious route by qualifying for the Chan finals in Rwanda. This he said is vital in satisfying the millions of football-loving Zimbabweans as the sport continues to turn the corner in its journey to a makeover which will be fully implemented when a new Zifa leadership is chosen on 5 December.
“Zimbabwean football must continue on a winning trajectory, booking their place for the Chan finals in Rwanda. This is important to quench the thirst of football victory of football loving Zimbabwe as football continues to turn the corner in its journey of transformation which will be fully consummated with the election of a new leadership on the 5th of December 2015,’’ said Hlongwane.
Zimbabwe Warriors squad
Donovan Bernard, Elvis Chipezeze, Danny Phiri(captain Ocean Mushure, Blessing Moyo, Knox Mutizwa, Bruce Kangwa, Hardlife Zvirekwi, Marshal Mudehwe, Stephen Makatuka, Teenage Hadebe, Tichaona Chipunza, Brian Muzondiwa, Lawrence Mhlanga, Raphael Manuvire, Edmore Chirambadare, Rodreck Mutuma, Pritchard Mpelele.
Online Reporter