Mighty Warriors expected in camp

Sports Reporter
THE Mighty Warriors are expected to troop into camp today at the ZIFA Village for the third round Olympic Games’ qualifier against Cote d’Ivoire next week.

The match will be played at Rufaro on August 23.

Zimbabwe need to overturn a 0-3 deficit after the first leg tie was forfeited when the Mighty Warriors failed to travel to the West African country in July following the failure by ZIFA to raise $34 000 that was needed for the trip.

The return leg was initially set for August 2 but was rescheduled for next week after Cote d’Ivoire failed to pitch up amid claims of a communication breakdown with their hosts.

The Confederation of African Football had also withdrawn Zimbabwe from the fixture programme and installed Cameroon to play Cote d’Ivoire after the forfeited game in July.

However, CAF’s decision was overturned by FIFA.

Mighty Warriors manager, Charity Munemo, said they just need to maintain a positive attitude ahead of the game.

“We are hoping for the girls to do their best although we lost the first match 3-0. If we play as a team we may surprise them and win the game, it’s possible to get a win.

“The problem we may face is we may not know how they play.

“The girls just need adequate preparations because there is no short cut in soccer,” said Munemo.

However, it’s going to be a mammoth task for the senior women national team considering that Cote d’Ivoire are ranked among the strong teams in the continent.

Zimbabwe had a bye in the first round of the qualifiers before beating Zambia in the second round on the away goals rule when the tie ended in a 2-2 draw.

Cote d’Ivoire progressed to this round after their opponents Tunisia withdrew from the qualifiers.

The winners between Zimbabwe and Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday will meet Cameroon in the fourth and last round of the qualifiers.

Squad

Chido Dzingirai, Process Chatsamwa, Deliwe Makaha, Nobuhle Majika, Moleen Murandu, Shiela Makoto, Talent Mandaza, Emmaculate Msipa, Chido Muhara, Samkelisiwe Zulu, Marjory Nyaumwe, Erina Jeke, Rutendo Makore, Rudo Neshamba, Mavis Chirandu, Felistus Muzongondi, Rejoice Kapfumvuti, Eunice Chibanda, Lynette Mutokuto, Berita Kabwe, Viola Ndlovu, Daisy Kaitano, Kudzayi Chiparaushe, Tafadzwa Tsunguro.