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Ellina Mhlanga, Harare Bureau
WITH only 90 minutes separating them from qualification for the Africa Women Cup of Nations, Mighty Warriors captain Felistas Muzongondi is confident they will get the desired result in Lusaka.
The senior women side took a step closer to qualifying when they narrowly beat Zambia 1-0 at Rufaro on Wednesday.
They need, at least, a draw to go through to the final tournament in Cameroon between November and December.
“I can say we are left with 90 minutes to qualify. So what we need to do as players is to score goals and defend as well. We have to put in 100 percent effort, focus on getting the result we want.
“We have been working on our shortcomings and I think we are there. We have to go out there and fight together as a team,” said Muzongondi.
Qualifying for the Africa Cup will see the team adding another feather to their cap following their Olympic Games qualification last October when they beat Cameroon.
Muzongondi said it is their dream to be part of the eight teams that will battle it out in Cameroon.
“As the girl child we are saying since we were the first team to qualify for the Olympics, we want to prove that we can do it.
“And for us, the current crop of players we have not participated at the Africa Cup before, so we want to qualify.
“Everyone is happy, we are just focusing on our game,” said Muzongondi.
Mighty Warriors coach Shadreck Mlauzi, who has indicated that he is looking to strike a balance between attack and defence, maintained almost the same team that played on Wednesday with just two changes.
He dropped the pair of midfielders Mavis Chirandu and Greater Bhande, opting for experience in seasoned players Rufaro Machingura and Eunice Chibanda.
“These are the changes effected, given that we are going away from home we needed that experience. We are expecting the opposition to play in the same style they did at Rufaro.
“We are going flat out for a win. We have in mind the Olympics we are preparing for also, as well as the result we want from this game.
Everything hinges on how tactically it goes.
“The girls are mentally strong, they are hungry for more success. So we are hoping things will work out for us,” said Mlauzi.
However, it’s not going to be an easy outing for the senior women side as Zambia’s coach Albert Kachinga on Wednesday made it clear they will be looking to turn the tie in their favour.
“We can’t let Zimbabwe go to the Africa Cup and then Olympics, we can’t allow them to do that,” Kachinga said.
The Mighty Warriors left for Zambia yesterday.
The winners from the tie proceed to the final competition in Cameroon from November 19 to December 3.
Final 18
Goalkeepers: Chido Dzingirai, Lindiwe Magwede.
Defenders: Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri, Sheila Makoto, Nobuhle Majika, Lynett Mutokuto, Patience Mujuru, Nobukhosi Ncube.
Midfielders: Daisy Kaitano, Emmaculate Msipa, Rufaro Machingura, Eunice Chibanda, Talent Mandaza, Marjory Nyaumwe.
Strikers: Felistas Muzongondi, Erina Jeke, Kudakwashe Basopo, Samkelisiwe Zulu.
Online Reporter