adminEllina Mhlanga, Harare Bureau
Zimbabwe 2-1 Egypt
MIGHTY Warriors coach Shadreck Mlauzi fielded a relatively new side in a friendly international match against Egypt at Rufaro yesterday and, after winning the contest, said he was expecting a tougher challenge from the visitors.
Two goals in the first half by forwards Maud Mafusure and Tonderai Masango, making their debut at this level, were enough to secure victory for the home side.
Mlauzi said he had expected more from the Egyptians.
Zimbabwe and Egypt have been drawn in the same group at the Africa Women Cup of Nations in November and, probably, in yesterday’s match both coaches didn’t want to give out much.
“After the Olympics we had a long break, a session and a half, you assemble then you come up with such a performance one can only be happy,” said Mlauzi.
“Egypt are a decent side. They have few individuals that are technical but overally as a team, well, I felt they really didn’t push us to the level we wanted.
“Yes, we respect them given we will be in the same group but, really, in terms of the technical and tactical organisation that we expected from them maybe we expected more out of them than us.
“But a lot can change so we will see how it goes when we approach that particular game. Again I understand it will be the second game so we will give them the respect because tournaments are extremely difficult.”
Some of the players who featured in yesterday’s game who have not been regulars in the team and they include the two strikers Mafuruse and Masango as well as defender Nobukhosi Ncube, who had a good day in the office.
Mlauzi later introduced the senior players in the second half with Kudakwashe Basopo coming in for Mafuruse while Rutendo Makore replaced Masango in the 50th minute.
Zimbabwe took the lead in the 12th minute when Mafuruse headed the ball home.
In the 26th minute, Masango made it two for Zimbabwe after she got a pass from Berita Kabwe and made a good turn inside the box to beat goalkeeper Maha El Demerdash.
Aliaa Shoukry rose from the bench to score Egypt’s only goal in the 49th minute with a curling shot from the right side.
Egypt head coach, Mohamed Mostafa was happy with game and believes there is still more they can do for their next assignments.
“It’s been really a good game. It’s a really good team, it’s coming from the Olympics now, we played a game good and we hope next time we will do more,” he said.
Online Reporter