Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Under-17 coach Thulani Sibanda blamed defensive mistakes for his team’s early Cosafa Under-17 Championship exit after a 3-2 loss to Comoros at Ngoni Stadium yesterday.
Second half substitute Tadiwa Chakuchichi, struck a beauty and a Younis Aboudou own goal gave Zimbabwe hope, but it was not enough. Comoros earned their second win of the tournament by exploiting sloppy defending, with goals from Kais Ali, Fasifdine Ahamada and winger, Daniel Ali.
“We exited too early, but I think it should be a lesson learned for future tournaments,” Sibanda said. “You saw the goals we conceded, just look at the three goals we conceded. Even social football players can defend those goals. The truth of the matter is we are discovering some of the qualities of these players here, that’s a fact.”
Comoros went ahead after 12 minutes when Kais Ali punished a defensive lapse to beat goalkeeper, Siyanda Zimba. The Young Warriors, winless in their first two games, trailed 1-0 at the break.
Chakuchichi’s arrival after halftime sparked life. He levelled in the 58th minute with a superb strike from an Elshaddai Sadomba pass, and five minutes later Zimbabwe went 2-1 up when a low shot from roving left back Seth Musarapachena deflected in off Aboudou.
But Zimbabwe’s backline faltered again. Fasifdine Ahamada equalised in the 81st minute after the hosts failed to clear their lines. With the clock winding down, Daniel Ali sealed the result, tapping in from close range.
The defeat left Zimbabwe third in Group A on a single point, having earlier lost to Mozambique and drawn with Eswatini. Comoros and Mozambique advanced with seven points each. Mozambique hammered Eswatini 4-0 at the Heart Stadium to top the group.
Teams
Zimbabwe: Siyanda Zimba, Seth Musarapachena, Fortune Ncube, Ashley Murapa, Munashe Ncube, Jameson Nduna, Darrel Zulu, Elshaddai Sadomba (Ropafadzo Hussein 90th min), Tapiwa Gutu (Awakhiwe Tshalibe 59th min), Tatenda Maulidi (Tadiwa Chakuchichi 46th min), Mbonisi Ndlovu.
Comoros: I Saleh, E Ahmed, R Aboudou, R Mhamadi, F Mohamed, D Ali, S. Ahamada, A Mchangama, K Ali, Y Mahoibou, S Msaidie.
