Londile Moyo
Taddy Manyepo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
MIGHTY Warriors coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda will take more satisfaction from how her side recovered than from the result itself after Zimbabwe booked a place in the final of the 4Nations Women’s Championship with a 3-1 victory over Lesotho at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Lusaka, Zambia, yesterday.
For much of the afternoon, the Mighty Warriors looked in complete control. They dominated possession, created numerous chances and dictated the tempo. Yet their inability to convert that superiority into goals threatened to turn a comfortable assignment into a frustrating one.
Instead, the match became a lesson in depth, patience and experience as second-half introductions Ethel “Halaand” Chinyerere, Christabel Katona and Rutendo Makore transformed the contest and carried Zimbabwe into Tuesday’s final against hosts Zambia.
The turning point came at halftime.
Sibanda had entrusted a youthful starting XI and the youngsters responded with energy and enthusiasm. What they lacked at times was composure. Zimbabwe had enough opportunities in the opening half to put the game beyond Lesotho’s reach but repeatedly failed to apply the finishing touch.
Captain Emmaculate Msipa appeared to have settled nerves when she converted Ennety Chemhere’s inviting delivery after a sustained spell of pressure. The goal reflected Zimbabwe’s dominance and hinted at an afternoon in which they would run away with the contest.
Instead, Lesotho exposed one of the few weaknesses in the Mighty Warriors’ display.
A lapse in midfield allowed Lokete Tobello the space to spot goalkeeper Vanessa Lunga off her line and audaciously chip home an equaliser that stunned the Zimbabweans and ensured the teams went into the break level.
That equaliser changed the complexion of the match.
What had looked like a routine semifinal suddenly became a test of Zimbabwe’s mentality. Supporters would have been forgiven for wondering whether the missed opportunities would come back to haunt the Mighty Warriors.
Sibanda’s response proved decisive.
The introduction of Chinyerere, Katona and Makore injected authority and experience into Zimbabwe’s play. Their arrival brought greater control in possession and sharper movement in attacking areas.
Central to everything good about Zimbabwe’s second-half display was Shyline Dambamuromo. Operating in an anchoring midfield role, she repeatedly disrupted Lesotho attacks and initiated forward moves. Her influence grew as the game wore on and she eventually provided the platform for the goal that shifted momentum decisively in Zimbabwe’s favour.
After winning possession in midfield, Dambamuromo surged forward and released Chinyerere.
The Green Buffaloes winger did the rest, showing both composure and quality as she skipped past her marker and delicately lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
The goal rewarded Zimbabwe’s persistence and finally reflected the balance of play.
Lesotho attempted to mount another response but found a Zimbabwe side growing in confidence. Lunga and her back four of Egness Tumbare, Sheila Antonio, Bridget Mutaurwa and McGirl Sipini stood firm whenever danger threatened.
As Lesotho pushed forward, spaces began to open.
Zimbabwe exploited them ruthlessly.
Sipini launched another attack and found Chinyerere, whose intelligent movement and delivery created the opportunity for Makore to add the third goal and remove any lingering doubt about the outcome.
The scoreline ultimately reflected Zimbabwe’s superiority, though it could easily have been more emphatic.
Praynance Zvawanda twice failed to capitalise on promising openings. Bethel Kondo sent efforts over the bar while Anita Ncube, Mutaurwa and Msipa also passed up opportunities. On another day, Zimbabwe could have reached five goals before halftime.
That profligacy will concern Sibanda ahead of the final, particularly against a stronger Zambian side. Yet she will also be encouraged by the resilience her team showed after being pegged back.
Rather than panic, the Mighty Warriors trusted their structure, leaned on their experienced players and gradually wore their opponents down.
Sibanda acknowledged both the positives and the areas requiring improvement.
“I am happy with the way my charges performed but it could have been even sweeter had we utilised all our chances,” she said.
“We dominated them in all departments but look, when you don’t score it then becomes difficult.
“But I am happy at the end of the day that we still managed to win.
“That was a bit nervy in the first half because Lesotho are also a very good team tactically.
“But our experience which we had kept on the bench came and rescued us. I am really happy with the way we performed and won.”
The victory sends Zimbabwe into a mouth-watering final against Zambia on Tuesday and provides another indication that the Mighty Warriors are growing into a competitive unit.
Online Reporter