Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
Zimbabwe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 2
Comoros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 3
ZIMBABWE Under-17 coach Thulani Sibanda says defensive errors cost his team after plunging to a disappointing defeat to Comoros to bow out of the COSAFA Under-17 Championships at Ngoni yesterday.
The Young Warriors fell short despite a brilliant strike from second half substitute Tadiwa Chakuchichi and an own goal by Comoros defender Younis Aboudou.
However, the Indian Ocean islanders were full value for their money after capitalising on the hosts defensive frailties to claim their second win of the tournament.
Comoros scored via Kais Ali, Fasifdine Ahamada and impressive winger Daniel Ali.
Zimbabwe finished the tournament winless, having lost to Mozambique in the first game and then drawing with Eswatini.
Sibanda said the hosts, who have been criticised for poor preparations, picked up priceless lessons from the poor showing, which culminated in the early exit.
“Yeah, it’s tough luck to the nation for exiting too early, but I think it should be a lesson learned for future tournaments,” said Sibanda.
The Young Warriors were punished early when Kais Ali took advantage of a defensive blunder inside the box and placed the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper Siyanda Zimba after 12 minutes.
Zimbabwe trailed 0-1 at the break, much to the disappointment of the energetic fans.
The introduction of Chakuchichi breathed life into the Young Warriors attack, and together with Chicken Inn prodigy Awakhiwe Tshalibe they caused all sorts of problems to the tiring opponents.
Chakuchichi levelled the matters after 58 minutes with a brilliant striker following an equally impressive pass from Elshaddai Sadomba.
Before the Comoros could organise themselves, Zimbabwe scored the second courtesy of a deflection after roving left back Seth Musarapachena rook a low shot inside the box on 63 minutes.
But Comoros were back on level terms with Fasifdine Ahamada who planted the ball to the low far corner following shoddy defensive work by the hosts on the 81st minute. It was 2-2 with less than 10 minutes remaining of regulation time.
Then, Comoros killed off the game when taking advantage of the defensive frailties and Daniel Ali made sure with a tap in from close range.
Zimbabwe finished third in Group A on one point while Comoros and Mozambique have seven each.
