Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Mighty Warriors will be hoping to complete their COSAFA Cup Group B games on a positive note when they face Botswana this afternoon at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Kick-off is midday.
After collecting four points from their Eswatini and Zambia outings, Zimbabwe are almost through to the semi-finals.
Currently they are second in the group log standings, tied on four points with Zambia who have a superior goal difference.
If both the Mighty Warriors and Zambian Copper Queens win, the Zimbabweans need to score more goals to finish top.
However, even if they score fewer goals, a win could take them through to the second round as the overall best runners-up.
Coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda says while Zimbabwe already have an advantage based on results from the other groups, they still need to avoid defeat.
“All the groups are still open so coming into this one, we need to put our best foot forward to grab a win and ensure we are through,” she said.
“Based on the results so far, we are the best overall runner-up and this places us in a better position but we do not need to put ourselves under pressure.”
For a side that exited the last edition of the regional tournament in the group stages, Zimbabweans have raised their hopes this time.
“A lot is at stake although we are almost in the knockout stage so we do not want to leave anything to chance, we have to treat the game as a Cup final,” said the coach.
“There is no room for complacency, this is a message that we will keep emphasising to the girls.
“After collecting four points from the first two games, they are excited and motivated hence the need to remind them of our mission.”
With a defined style of play and reliable goal-scoring options in Rutendo Makore, Ethel Chinyerere, Praynance Zvawanda and youngster Anita Ncube, Sibanda has a good pool for selection.
“When we played Zambia we made some tactical changes to save energy because of our fitness levels.
“We had to balance it to protect our point in that game and as well as prepare for the Botswana fixture considering its importance, “ she said.
Mathew Masinge