tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S quest to qualify for the 2023 AfroCan Championships suffered a blow as the hosts went down 63-53 to Zambia in their second game of the three-team tournament in Bulawayo on Thursday night.
After upsetting regional powerhouses Mozambique in their opening encounter, the hosts were expected to stroll past Zambia.
However, Kelvin Ben’s charges found the going tough, as they succumbed to a 10-point loss in front of their home fans.
Once again, skipper Vitalis Chikoko led from the front with 15 points, 15 rebounds and one assist, but ultimately failed to power his team home.
He did, however, have a little more assistance this time around, with forward Tatenda Maturure also reaching double figures.
The Harare City Hornets forward finished the game with 10 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Nalumino Simioti turned out to be the difference-maker, as his 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals powered Zambia to victory.
He found a handy partner in Elijah Mukelabai, who chipped in with 10 points and one assist.
Due to the last-minute withdrawals of South Africa and Malawi, the three participating teams are playing on a home-and-away basis, as Mozambique and Zimbabwe clash on Friday night.
Zimbabwe and Zambia will then clash again on Saturday.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter