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YOUNG Warriors coaches hope to have their full arsenal at their disposal ahead of the semi-final clash against Angola tomorrow following the return of forwards Walter Musona and Tafadzwa Kutinyu from injuries. Team manager Patrick Mutesva yesterday said the pair, which missed the 1-1 draw against Mozambique in the last group match on Monday, has started training.
Musona and Kutinyu were rested to recover from the ankle knocks they picked in the game against Botswana at the weekend.
Zimbabwe won the match 3-0 with Musona scoring the third goal courtesy of a brilliant freekick, shortly before he was pulled out because of injury.
Musona was also on target in the first game when Zimbabwe beat Swaziland 2-1 with Kutinyu weighing in with the last-gasp winner.
“We are glad that the boys are back in training,” said Mutesva.
“They had some light training and, hopefully, they will be fully fit by the time we play the semi-final.”
Zimbabwe have won two of their three group matches and drawn one and will be looking to go all the way following a good start in this year’s edition.
They finished top of Group D and their performance has been in sharp contrast with their previous showing in the last tournament held in Botswana where they failed to win a single game.
Mutesva said they were aware of the threat posed by Angola who have been involved in high-scoring affairs after winning two and drawing one in the group games.
Angola were 2-1 winners at Rufaro when the countries met last year in the African Youth Championships qualifiers.
Zimbabwe could not travel for the return leg due to financial challenges, risking a ban from Caf.
“Angola are a very good team and are being tipped as one of the favourites to win the title. The last time we played them in Harare they beat us.
Online Reporter