Cape Verde game will cost us Afcon, Warriors fans believe

African of Nations next year as Group A took another shape at the weekend with Zimbabwe and Mali, who were both at home got, maximum points.
Zimbabwe’s 3-0 victory over Liberia yesterday did not really bring a smile to the faces of their supporters who witnessed the match quite aware that Mali had won 3-0 against Cape Verde in Bamako the previous day.
Mali are now left with an away match against Liberia, who are out of contention for the African showpiece.
Yesterday the supporters contained their celebrations and said the Warriors will now have to finish off the job in their last match and just pray for anything to happen.
Aces Youth Academy director Marc Duvillard said the Warriors’ draw at home against Cape Verde last October will come back to haunt the team.
“We will regret the Cape Verde draw. We will just try to beat them at home but I don’t think Liberia will do much against Mali who also want to qualify.”
The former Warriors coach also gave his verdict on yesterday’s match.
“In the first half, Zimbabwe was organised but in second half they had a bad start and the defence was at risk but they were supposed to win 5-0,” said Duvillard.
Zifa technical adviser Klaus Dieter Pagels said it was sad to note that destiny is no longer in the Warriors’ hands.
“Now it is not in our hands. There is no hope that Liberia, with the way they played today, will stop Mali from qualifying . . . it is a pity.
“Today the team created chances but the performance wasn’t all that good. But Zimbabwe can do better than that and the pressure was just too much,” said Pagels.
Motor Action boss Eric Rosen said the Zimbabwe’s woes began on Saturday night when Mali convincingly won at home against Cape Verde.
“That’s where the problem is. Mali won but we can still hope that something happens . . . ” Rosen said.
However, former Warriors captain Peter Ndlovu said the nation should rally behind this promising crop of players in the Warriors squad which has been assembled by Norman Mapeza.
“It is good that we are building a good team. At least there is foundation. We can see that there is direction. Our chances of qualifying for next year’s Nations Cup finals are slim but we should not be worried because there is foundation.
“Norman has instilled discipline, respect and confidence in the team.”
“The good thing is there is a foundation and politics aside, they are a team for the future and will do well like the past teams,” said Ndlovu.
Zimbabwe National Supporters Association vice-president Eddie “Mboma” Nyatanga said they are hoping that the football gods will smile on the Warriors again and help them qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup finals.
“The boys played well and they should continue to play well in the away game. We lost it against Cape Verde but we will hope that something dramatic happens in the last qualifying fixtures,” said Nyatanga.
Former Warriors player and Mamelodi scout Ian Gorowa said the Warriors played well.
“The team is getting there. Ovidy (Karuru) had a moment of brilliance. I think he did well. Vusa Nyoni also played well. And I was impressed by Liberian number seven (substitute Ansu Toure),” Gorowa said.