adminHarare Bureau
Zimbabwe 2-1 Botswana
(Zim win 3-1 on aggregate).
THE Mighty Warriors booked a place in the last qualifying round of the African Women’s Championships and will now meet Zambia following their victory over Botswana in a preliminary round, return leg at Rufaro Stadium yesterday. Zambia progressed on Saturday after they drew 1-1 with Tanzania in Dar es Salaam. They had won 2-1 in Lusaka a fortnight ago.
It was a dramatic afternoon yesterday as the second half kick off was delayed by about 15 minutes to allow paratroopers who were providing entertainment during the break to land safely.
The helicopter delayed in dropping the troopers from above and by the time the parachuters started landing it was already time for the second half to commence. The referees delayed the resumption to allow the paratroopers to land on the pitch.
Zimbabwe could face Caf sanctions for that as once a match has started, there should be no other activity on the field of play.
More drama unfolded as the last two paratroopers failed to land safely with one landing on a fan at the Mbare End grand stand while the other landed on a tree outside the stadium.
Medical persons from the Mighty Warriors and Emras were kept busy attending to the scenes.
By the time the whole drama ended and the match resumed, it appears the steam had gone out of the hosts as they returned a disjointed team.
Zimbabwe had secured two early goals in eight minutes through striker Rutendo “Madzimai” Makore.
The Black Rhinos Queens player received a fine pass from Felistas “Figo” Muzongondi from the right and her first attempt was parried back into play by the Botswana goalie but the striker made sure on the second attempt.
Mighty Warriors increased their lead on 15 minutes when midfielder Marjoury Nyaumwe volleyed into the nets after she was set up again by skipper Muzongondi.
However, the hosts pulled one back at full time when Mighty Warriors goalkeeper Chido Dzingirai made a mistake and tried to dribble past Botswana striker Dame Ngenda who then beat her to score.
It was a little too late for the neighbours who lost 0-1 to Zimbabwe in Gaborone to salvage something from this match.
The Batswana coach Mmoloki Masole said overall he was pleased by the team’s performance.
“I am happy that my players played well. It was just unfortunate that we conceded two early goals but all in all we had a good game,” he said.
Mighty Warriors coach Rosemary Mugadza said there is still a lot of work to be done if they wanted to beat Zambia and qualify for the tournament finals this October in Namibia.
“We did well although we still have some shortcomings and we have to do more to prepare for Zambia. We still need to work extra hard. As a technical team we also have to work extra hard.
“We would like to play friendly matches against teams such as South Africa and Ghana that are ranked above us before we play in the final qualifying round,” she said.
Teams
Zimbabwe: C. Dzingirai, R. Mutyavaviri, M. Musasa, P. Mujuru, N. Majika, T. Mandaza (E. Msipa 60th minute), N. Ndlovu (M. Chirandu 60th minute), M. Nyaumwe, F. Muzongondi, R. Neshamba (K. Basopo 72nd minute), R. Makore.
Botswana: A. Moahi, T. Mothlale, G. Selebatso, R. Tholakele (J. Balothanyi 62nd minute) T. Lesaane, P. Bosa, B. Otlhagile, P. Segokgo, K. Molefe, K. Sheba, D. Ngenda.
Online Reporter