adminAugustine Hwata Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE international Cuthbert Malajila believes the Warriors have bright chances of beating Libya and storming into the final of the African Nations Championships at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein this evening.
The game starts at 5pm.
In 2011, Malajila had a stint at Libyan club Al Akhadhar before fleeing violence in that country and rejoining Dynamos.
The Warriors forward is now playing for South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns and is ineligible to play in the CHAN tournament, which is exclusive for players plying their trade in their home leagues.
However, Malajila yesterday told The Herald from his base in Pretoria that he was backing the Warriors to go all the way and even lift the trophy.
“The North Africans play a tactical game and they are not as physical as the West Africans.
“Usually, they play a passing game and are full of running during the whole game,” said Malajila.
Ironically, Zimbabwe could have played Libya in an international friendly at the National Sports Stadium on January 4, but the North Africans later withdrew from the tie.
Going into this semi-final tie, Zimbabwe could be having a psychological boost of enjoying “home advantage”.
The meeting between Zimbabwe and Libya today is the second in as many CHAN tournaments after they played in the Group B tie at the inaugural edition in Cote d’Ivoire in 2009 with the match ending goalless.
On November 27 1999, Zimbabwe beat the Mediterranean Knights 2-1 in a friendly at the National Sports Stadium but Malajila says victory should not to be taken for granted today.
“I believe the game will be as tough as playing the West Africans but Zimbabwe need to be disciplined both tactically and physically.
“But, so far, Zimbabwe have been doing well and I hope we can progress to the final or even bring the trophy home,” said Malajila.
Malajila warned the Warriors to be very cautious, especially when the Libyans get free-kicks or corner kicks.
“As I said, they are very good tactically and they take their time to practise set-pieces like corner kicks or penalties and we just have to be cautious,” Malajila said.
Coach Ian Gorowa is not expected to make wholesale changes to the team that won the last two matches against Burkina Faso and Mali.
Goalkeeper George Chigova is set to reclaim his place between the posts while the coach is comfortable with his defence of Hardlife Zvirekwi, Milton Ncube, Eric Chipeta and skipper Partson Jaure.
The slippery Kuda Mahachi could be under the spotlight with the Libyans likely to keep a close watch on him and that could give room for another player like Masimba Mambare or Simba Sithole to get more freedom.
Meanwhile, the Sports Commission have thrown their weight behind the Warriors after their spirited show at the African Nations Championship.
Sports Commission director-general Charles Nhemachena yesterday sent solidarity message to the team.
“The Sports and Recreation Commission joins the rest of the nation in congratulating our Warriors on the impressive progress made so far at the CHAN tournament.
“The win against Mali was just the tonic we, the soccer success-starved citizens, needed to start believing in ourselves again.
“The Warriors have demonstrated that all they need is the necessary support and good planning to bring glory to our nation. Let us therefore continue to rally behind the team as they prepare for the next assignment,” said Nhemachena.
Online Reporter