Mighty Warriors beat Zambia

By Grace Chingoma
Zimbabwe………………………………………….…..(0)1
Zambia…………………………………………………….0
MIGHTY WARRIORS’ goalkeeper Onai Chingawo put up a brilliant performance with some blinding saves, including a penalty, which helped Zimbabwe to victory over a fired-up Zambia in the first leg of the All-Africa Games qualifier at Rufaro yesterday.
The narrow victory warmed up a big crowd, which thronged Rufaro, and among the VIP guests were Vice-Presidents Joice Mujuru and John Nkomo and Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe
Zimbabwe’s winner came in the 80th minute when Aces Youth Academy defender Eunice Chibanda drilled home a long range shot from the right channel, beating the visitors’ goalkeeper Miriam Katamanda.
The Under-20 defender’s lone goal set up an interesting second leg tie in Lusaka in two weeks time.
But the Mighty Warriors had goalkeeper Chingawo to thank as the Aces Youth Academy stopper ensured that her team won the match with some super saves.
Zimbabwe conceded a penalty in the second minute when Botswana referee Lekgowe Bolomanana adjudged that Marjoury Nyaumwe had handled in the box. Zambia striker Susan Banda took the spot kick but Chingawo rose to the occasion and dived to the right to punch the ball away.
The goalkeeper gained a lot of confidence and was in good form as Zambia attacked in numbers.
“I just had a feeling that today (yesterday) would be a good day for us. But after saving that penalty, I gained confidence and knew I could save any ball from them.
“Their number 11 (Kabange Mupopo) was full of pace and every attack was coming through her. She really gave me a tough time but l am happy I kept a clean sheet,” said Chingawo.
Mupopo was a menace every time she was in possession and the ill-timed off side traps employed by Zimbabwe only gave the hosts a lot of chances.
There was a light moment in the 21st minute when defender Rivimbo Mutyavaviri’s powerful shot sailed just over the bar and the Batswana referee signaled a goal.
As the Mighty Warriors celebrated a goal, Zambian goalkeeper Kamatanda contested the decision showing that the ball was outside the net.
After consultations with her lineswoman, who was near the action, Bolomanana changed his decisionm.
Zimbabwe upped their game in the second period when they introduced Under-20 midfielder Emaculate Msipa and striker Rudo Neshamba.
New Orleans midfielder Nokuthula Ndlovu was unlucky not to score in the 65th minute when her header, off a good cross from Erina Jeke, just sailed wide.
That was close.
Mutyavaviri’s grounder also troubled the Zambian ‘keeper who had to punch the ball out for a corner. Mighty Warriors coach Rose Mugadza said her team did not really click in all departments and still have a tall order in the reverse leg.
“It was a 50-50 match. And thanks to the girls we managed to win the first leg.
“We have a tall order and we will not break camp and we will continue to rectify the mistakes we observed in the strikeforce and midfield,” said Mugadza.
Zambian youthful coach Enala Simbeya said her team would turn the tables at home and qualify to the next round.
“I have a good team. We are ready for them at home. Zimbabwe is a good side but our goal is to qualify for the All-Africa Games,” said Simbeya.
Guest of Honour Amai Mujuru who blew a vuvuzela and danced in celebration when Zimbabwe scored hailed the team.
“It was an exciting game. We need to give them a little more support” said Mujuru.
Teams
Zimbabwe: O. Chingawo, P. Mujuru, E. Chibanda, R. Mutyavaviri L. Masase, T. Mandaza, M. Nyaumwe(R. Neshamba 61minute), N. Ndlovu. K. Bhasopo, T. Mairosi(E. Msipa 64th minute), E. Jeke(V. Bepete 80th minute).
Zambia: M. Katambala, D. Chisango, K. Mupopo, N. Sosala, M. Zulu, E. Bada, W. Mulayi, S. Banda(C. Musonda 90th minute), A. Kibanji, T. Chizyuka, M. Banda.