Online Reporter
Bruce Chikuni
Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe……………………………………………….(2) 3
Mozambique……………………………………………(1) 1
SO near yet so far for the Emerging Warriors.
The Zimbabweans reserved their best for last as they turned on a fine performance to thrash a Mozambique side which had not lost a game at the COSAFA Cup this year.
But, the big win was not enough to keep the Warriors at the tournament as they finished second behind Bafana Bafana on the table.
The top two teams ended with the same number of points (4) but Bafana Bafana went through because of a superior goal difference.
Zimbabwe and Mozambique missed out on this opportunity despite having the same number of points as South Africa.
The hosts needed just a goalless draw against Mauritius to register four points.
Mauritius recorded a similar scoreline against Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya saved his best for last with a first half brace which saw him walk away with the man-of-the-match award.
He opened the scoring in the 23th minute from close range off a brilliant pass from the lively Nisbert Muzenda.
Ngwenya’s goal still counted despite requiring the attention of the Video Assistant Referee.
The FC Platinum forward netted his second from the spot in the 36th minute after he was fouled by the Mozambique goalkeeper.
Mozambique responded three minutes later from range as they profited from a deflection which gave Tatenda Chikowero no chance.
Junior Makunike extended the Warriors’ advantage at the death with a goal rich in technique and precision off a brilliant cut back from Tanaka Munemo.
The Mambas will live to curse Chikowero who appeared to be on a mission to end their adventure with some fine saves.
Andrew Mbeba, Blessed Mashonganyika and Allan Chapinduka made their presence felt in the defensive department.
Prosper Padera and Makunike had a better performance in the centre of the park after the restart. Even Nathan Mutasa, who has been at the heart of criticism on social media, showed some flashes of good touches when he was thrown in the second half.
He showed he deserves to be given a chance.
The Emerging Warriors failed to score in their last match against Bafana Bafana, which eventually cost them the chance to play in the semi-finals.
But, this was a far better show, especially for the forwards, with the dangerous Ngwenya a threat when he was charging towards the opponents.
Warriors coach Michael Nees will go through all the videos when he returns from Morocco as he tries to expand his catchment area and see which players can be brought into the main team.
