Mighty Warriors fall in Egypt

From Ellina Mhlanga in CAIRO, Egypt
Egypt ……………………………… (2) 3
Zimbabwe ………………………. (2) 2
THE Mighty Warriors yesterday suffered their first defeat here at the hands of Egypt as they went down under controversial circumstances in an international friendly soccer match at the 6 October Stadium.

Zimbabwe, who seemed to have the upper hand when the game started, taking the lead as early as the third minute, failed to maintain the momentum and poor officiating by the referee also affected what was promising to be an exciting match with Marjory Nyaumwe being sent for an early shower in the 79th minute for a second bookable offence.

The Egyptians were then awarded a late penalty under unclear circumstances.
The Mighty Warriors’ first goal came in the third minute when Violet Bepete fired home a rebound off Nokuthula Ndlovu’s shot that hit the bar to thrust her team into the lead.

The second goal was an own goal by Egyptian defender Enas Mostafa in the eighth minute when she was trying to clear a cross from the right by Nobuhle Magika.

However, the Mighty Warriors’ joy was shortlived as the Egyptians replied through their captain Engi Ahia, who scored a brace to bring her team back into the game. Ahia’s first goal came in the 38th minute when she caught Mighty Warriors goalkeeper Chido Dzingirayi offguard with a shot from outside the box.

With three minutes to go before the breather, Ahia equalised for her side when she intercepted a ball from Dzingirayi as she tried to clear after she got a back pass and powered it home.

The Egyptians sealed their win in the 80th minute when they were awarded a penalty under controversial circumstances. It was converted by Nejma Fekry.

Mighty Warriors coach Rosemary Mugadza felt her charges did not play their usual passing game and it affected their play, resulting in a defeat.

The Mighty Warriors will play their last match here on Saturday at a venue yet to be announced.
Teams

Zimbabwe: C. Dzingirai, P. Mujuru, M. Musasa, N. Majika, T. Mandaza (E. Msipa 45 minutes), N. Ndlovu (M. Chirandu, 60 minutes), M. Nyaumwe, E. Jeke (R. Makore, 60 minutes), F. Muzongondi, V. Bepete.

Egypt: M. Alwahshi, F. El-demerdash, E.Mostafa, S. Adel, S. Abdullah, M. Ali, O. Mahmoud, M. Farouk (N. Tarek 83minutes)  E. Ahia, S. Manso, N. Fekry.