adminTHE Mighty Warriors cruised past their last group A opponents with another good performance in this Cosafa Women’s Championships tie at Gwanzura yesterday to set a semi-final clash against tricky Tanzania at Rufaro tomorrow.
Zimbabwe, who fielded most of their reserve players, finished the group with nine points and meet the Twiga Star,s who finished on six points, after losing 1-0 to favourites South Africa yesterday.
In another semi-final match set for Rufaro tomorrow defending champions South Africa, who finished top in Group B, will clash with group A runners-up Malawi.
Zimbabwe got their goals via captain, Nomsa “Boyz” Moyo who was playing her first game since the All-Africa Games qualifiers match against Zambia in February, as she was struggling to command a jersey.
Yesterday coach Rosemary Mugadza rested some of her regular players.
The veteran skipper was on target in the 29th minute when she beat the Malawian defence to an ill-timed offside trap.
Big striker Rufaro Machingura increased the team’s tally when she powered home a stunning header off a cross from defender Eunice Chibanda in the 66th minute.
It was Machingura’s seventh goal in this Cosafa tournament.
Striker Erina Jeke then got the insurance goal in the 81st minute when she converted a fine cross from substitute Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri.
The Mighty Warriors had three goals disallowed after Malawian referee Martha Nyekanyeka adjudged that they were scored from offside positions.
Coach Rosemary Mugadza made six changes to the team, which played against Lesotho (4-0) and Malawi (8-2).
Goalkeeper Onai Chingawo, defenders Nobuhle Majika, Patience Mujuru and Mutyavaviri made way for the trio of Chido Dzingirai, Sheila Makoto and Danai Bhobho while midfielders Talent Mandaza and Tsitsi Mairosi made way for the duo of Emmaculate Msipa and Elizabeth Chaparangana.
But the makeshift team still did well to please a good crowd.
More fans are expected tomorrow when the hosts clash in a high-profile match against the East African guests who may shatter Zimbabwe’s hopes of qualifying for the final.
Mugadza said she was ready for the big showdown.
“We are ready for any opponent. When we started we knew we would either meet Tanzania or South Africa in the latter stages and we are prepared.
“Tanzania is a good side but we will take each game as it comes.
“We are working and trying different combinations and that’s why we made a lot of changes today and I am pleased we are getting there,” said Mugadza.
Mozambique, Lesotho and Group B sides Zambia and Botswana return home today.
Mozambique coach Carlos Manuel said his team will go home and regroup for the All-Africa Games.
The team would be competing as hosts.
“It was a good game but we made three mistakes which cost us and Zimbabwe had a good game. We brought a new team altogether but we will regroup because we want to make an impact at the All-Africa Games,” said Manuel.
Mozambique just managed a 1-1 draw against Malawi and lost to 3-2 to Lesotho.
Yesterday, the Mighty Warriors showed that they have depth within their ranks.
Mufakose Queens midfielder Marjoury Nyaumwe played a blinder while Msipa and Chaparangana also shone for the hosts.
Teams
Zimbabwe
C. Dzingirai, S. Makoto, D. Bhobho, N. Moyo, E. Chibanda, E. Msipa, E. Chaparangana(N. Majika 63rd minute), N. Ndlovu(R. Mutyavaviri 73rd minute), M. Nyaumwe, E. Jeke, R. Machingura.
Mozambique
N. Bijal, N. Zandamela(S. Kouroma 54th minute), A. Ngale, T. Monjane, I. Chambal, L. Mocambique, A. Banze, G. Nhavene, S. Simone(C. Bernardo 60th minute), A. Camussi(A. Massingwe 72nd minute), C. Wate.
Online Reporter