Chronicle Editor
Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
FORMER Warriors’ winger Joel Luphahla believes avoiding defeat in the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals against Senegal could help pave way for Zimbabwe to go beyond the group stages for the first time in the continental football showpiece.
The Afcon finals start in Cameroon on January 9 and Zimbabwe are in Group B alongside Senegal, Guinea and Malawi.
The Warriors open their campaign against Senegal on January 10.
Lupha’ maiden Afcon squad in the 2004 finals held in Tunisia and the 2006 edition in Egypt, said the underdog tag Zimbabwe carries to Cameroon will ease pressure on the players and help spur them on.
“The most important thing is for us to get a draw in the first match against Senegal. If we manage to avoid defeat, we stand a better chance to have a good tournament,” said Luphahla.
“Despite having previously qualified for more Afcon finals than Malawi, I believe we’re going as underdogs and that eases pressure on us. You tend to be more relaxed if you are wearing an underdog tag. So, to me, if we can avoid defeat in the first game, the better for us.
“It can also shape our tournament if we avoid defeat in the first game. I remember when we went for the first edition in 2004, we faced Egypt and it was difficult for us because we didn’t have the Afcon experience. It was our first time, but now the Warriors have been going to the continental finals occasionally and they should do better,” he said.
The Warriors squad trooped into camp last Thursday and started training on Boxing Day.
Warriors’ coach Norman Mapeza expressed satisfaction with the players’ physical and mental state.
European-based players Jordan Zemura, Alec Mudimu, Admiral Muskwe, David Moyo and Tino Kadewere are expected to join the rest of the squad in Cameroon.
Luphahla believes the return of striker Prince Dube to the Warriors might spur them in Cameroon.
“I think coach Norman Mapeza is in a tricky position because we’ve had only six months of football in the country and it makes it difficult to have players from the local league who might be good replacements for those that have withdrawn.
Mapeza is unlucky that players like Nakamba (Marvelous), Tendai Darikwa, Marshal Munetsi and Brendan Galloway have withdrawn, as their experience would have come in handy.
“At this time, we needed Khama Billiat. I think someone needs to swallow their pride and get Khama back. The nation needs him for at least one Afcon finals and I doubt if he has been engaged properly, he’d turn his back on his country.
The good thing is that striker Prince Dube is back in the Warriors’ fold. He recovered on time and I tip him to shine in Cameroon,” Luphahla said.
Online Reporter