admin
Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe………..(2)2
Botswana…………(0)1
(Zim win 3-1 on aggregate).
THE Mighty Warriors booked a place into the last qualifying round of the African Women Championships and will now meet Zambia following their victory against Botswana at Rufaro yesterday. Zambia progressed on Saturday after they drew 1-1 with Tanzania in Dar-es-Salaam. They had won 2-1 in Lusaka a fortnight ago.
It was a dramatic afternoon yesterday as the second half kick-off was forced to delay by about 15 minutes to allow the paratroopers, who were providing entertainment during the break, to land safely.
The delay, which wasn’t football-related, may expose the hosts to sanctions from Caf if the match commissioner factors that into her report.
More drama unfolded as the last two paratroopers failed to land safely with one hitting a fan on the southern stand while the other landed in a tree outside the stadium.
By the time the drama ended and the match resumed, it appears the steam had gone out of the hosts as they returned a disjointed team.
Zimbabwe had secured two early goals with striker Rutendo “Madzimai” Makore putting them ahead in the eighth minute.
The Black Rhinos Queens forward received a fine pass from Felistas “Figo” Muzongondi from the right and her first attempt was parried back into play by the Botswana goalie.
But the striker made sure at the second attempt.
The Mighty Warriors doubled their lead in the 15th minute when midfielder Marjoury Nyaumwe volleyed home after she was set up again by skipper Muzongondi.
However, the hosts pulled one back at the stroke of full time when Mighty Warriors goalkeeper Chido Dzingirai made a mistake and tried to dribble Botswana striker Dame Ngenda who then beat her to score.
It was, however, too little, too late for the neighbours who lost 0-1 to Zimbabwe in Gaborone.
Botswana are yet to beat Zimbabwe in these qualifiers of the women’s version of the African Cup of Nations and in 2012 were booted out by the hosts in the preliminary round again.
The 3-1 aggregate victory was the same for the hosts then and now.
Yesterday, Botswana coach Mmoloki Masole said he was pleased by the team’s performance despite their elimination.
“I am happy that my players played well. It was just unfortunate that we conceded two early goals but all in all we had a good game,” he said.
The gaffer said his charges had an improved performance after the breather after he told them they had nothing to lose and should just go out an enjoy their game.
Mighty Warriors coach Rosemary Mugadza said there was still a lot of work to be done if they are to beat Zambia and qualify for the finals this October in Namibia.
“We did well although we still have some shortcomings and we have to do more to prepare for Zambia.
“We still need to work extra hard. As a technical team, we also have to work extra hard.
“We would like to play friendly matches against teams such as South Africa and Ghana that are ranked above us before we play in the final qualifying round,” she said.
Mugadza who chose not to blame her goalkeeper, for letting in a silly goal, challenged her players to remain focused.
“The girls thought they had won the game but a game of football is only won after 90 minutes.
“But mistakes do happen in football and I cannot really blame Chido,” said Mugadza.
Botswana: A. Moahi, T. Mothlale, G. Selebatso, R. Tholakele (J. Balothanyi 62nd minute) T. Lesaane, P. Bosa, B. Otlhagile, P. Segokgo, K. Molefe, K. Sheba, D. Ngenda.
Zimbabwe: C. Dzingirai, R. Mutyavaviri, M. Musasa, P. Mujuru, N. Majika, T. Mandaza (E. Msipa 60th minute), N. Ndlovu (M. Chirandu 60th minute), M. Nyaumwe, F. Muzongondi, R. Neshamba (K. Basopo 72nd minute), R.Makore.
Online Reporter