adminEllina Mhlanga Harare Bureau
Zimbabwe 0-1 Zambia
COACH Rosemary Mugadza was missing after suffering a family bereavement and the Mighty Warriors slumped to a rare defeat at Rufaro yesterday which complicated their chances of qualifying for the African Women’s Nations Cup finals. The Mighty Warriors had been hoping to make full use of home advantage especially at a ground which they had turned into a fortress in the last four years but they put on one of their worst performances to fall to their Northern neighbours in the final qualifying round, first leg tie.
Mugadza is in Bulawayo to attend the funeral of her brother who died on Saturday.
Without the guidance of their coach, the Mighty Warriors failed to find a way past the Zambians and now face a tougher task in order to secure their place at the Nations Cup finals in Namibia in October.
A communication breakdown in the 64th minute between defenders Patience Mujuru and Melody Musasa gifted Zambia’s Hellen Mubanga with a chance to find the priceless winner.
Mujuru headed back the ball from just outside the box hoping Musasa would clear it but the latter was nowhere to be found and Mubanga intercepted the ball and went on to beat goalkeeper Chido Dzingirai from close range to give her side an upper hand ahead of the return leg to be played in a fortnight in Zambia.
Mighty Warriors assistant coach Yohannes Chikaola had earlier been forced to make a 21st minute substitution when veteran defender, Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri twisted her ankle and that seemed to shake the hosts’ defence as they struggled to contain the Zambians.
Chikaola was forced into another injury- induced substitution later on when he had to bring on Talent Mandaza for forceful striker Rutendo Makore after she pulled a muscle in the 83rd minute.
Zimbabwe were their own worst enemies as they failed to capitalise on the chances they had early on in the game.
Just a minute into the match Makore latched onto a spill by Zambian goalkeeper, Hazel Mali and struck the side net instead of the target.
Eight minutes later Kudakwashe Bhasopo came close with a header but she directed it at the waiting hands for Mali.
The Mighty Warriors then resorted to long range efforts that did not pay dividends.
Rudo Neshamba also tried her luck but it was just another bad day for the team, with her last effort coming in the 89th minute.
Chikaola blamed the defeat on complacency, a number of mistakes and the low fitness levels.
Online Reporter