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Eddie Chikamhi-Senior Sports Reporters
TAPUWA Kapini has challenged the Warriors’ senior players to provide leadership in the back-to-back 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Ghana.
Zimbabwe face Ghana at the Cape Coast Stadium tomorrow before hosting the West Africans, at the National Sports Stadium, on Tuesday.
Kapini was part of the last group of Warriors to beat the Black Stars, at the 2006 AFCON finals, in Egypt.
“We had lost our opening two games and, from the look of things, we definitely had a difficult game on our hands, in the last match, against Ghana,’’ he told The Herald.
“Ghana badly needed the win, to qualify, while our chances were remote.
“They had many world-class players then, most of whom went on to play at two consecutive World Cups, in 2006 and 2010.
“We refused to be intimidated and had a team meeting where everyone was in agreement that we needed to score more goals to revive our slim hopes.
“Of course, no one would have given us a chance but we managed to do it and, if Joel Luphahla’s late goal wasn’t disallowed, we could have actually progressed to the quarter-finals.
“That’s the importance of self-belief.”
Zimbabwe scored in the second half through Cephas Chimedza and Benjani Mwaruwari.
Baba Armando pulled one back for the Black Stars in the final moments.
“From the first whistle, we made sure that we followed every detail from the instructions we got from the coach, Charles Mhlauri,’’ said Kapini.
“We were mindful that we did not need to concede early, and it was very encouraging that Ghana did not score, in the first half.
“There was so much pressure in that game but we had some experienced players like Peter (Ndlovu), Benjani (Mwaruwari), Esrom Nyandoro and Joel Luphahla.
“These guys told us to go out there and enjoy ourselves, do what we know best, and leave the pressure to them.
“They said they knew how to play such big games and we trusted them.’’
He believes a similar approach could work tomorrow.
“We expect the senior guys (in the current team) to play the leading role because in football, the more you grow, the more you should stand up to take responsibility,’’ said Kapini.
“The younger guys always look up to the seniors.
“If they show confidence, then the enthusiasm will easily spread through the team.’’
Knowledge Musona, Marvelous Nakamba, Tendayi Darikwa, Teenage Hadebe and Marshall Munetsi are the leaders in the Class of 2021.
Zimbabwe and Ghana have played six times in competitive matches.
The West Africans have dominated the meetings after winning three times, with Zimbabwe forcing two draws.
The Warriors’ only win came at the 2006 AFCON finals and the 2-1 upset victory sent Ghana tumbling out of the tournament.
Some sections of the media in Ghana were talking of a revenge mission this week.
“It may be a long time now, 15 years, but I am sure those guys have not forgotten about the upset,’’ said Kapini.
“Of course, they have some star players that we need to watch out for but we need to grab this opportunity again, and try to get, at least four points, from them, in these two matches.
“I watched their game against South Africa.
“They are a strong team but not invincible, situations may differ though, depending on whether you are playing at home, or away.
“But, from what I saw, Zimbabwe just need to apply themselves well, it’s a plus for us that one of their star players, Mubarak Wakasu, will not be available for the match.
“When they played South Africa, everything was starting with him so, they could be a different team altogether, without him.’’
Both teams have new coaches, with Norman Mapeza returning to rescue a campaign that went off the rails, under Zdravko Logarusic.
Ghana have turned to their 2010 World Cup coach, Milovan Rajevac, to boost their campaign.
The Black Stars are undefeated in their last six home matches, having registered five wins, and one draw, as the hosts.
“We started off badly, and we need to come back into contention, as early as possible,’’ said Kapini.
“I think we blew a good opportunity, in the first two games, and we cannot afford to continue lagging behind.
“However, it’s not going to be easy for the team to turn around the tide, with one point, from two games.
“So, we need a giant-killing act, if we can manage to upset the cart in Ghana, I tell you this will change everything, in the group.
“In the worst case scenario, we need to avoid defeat there and hope to beat them here. I am not happy, though, with the preparations, and the travel arrangements.
“In future we need better arrangements.
“Otherwise, I trust the quality of the players that we have, and also the strength of our technical team.’’
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