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Sports Reporter
MIGHTY Warriors coach Rosemary Mugadza has named a 24-member squad expected to get into camp tomorrow ahead of their rescheduled third round Olympic Games qualifier tie against Cote d’Ivoire at Rufaro on August 23. The kick off time will be 2PM. The first leg which was set for July 19 in Abidjan was forfeited after Zimbabwe failed to make the trip and was awarded to Cote d’Ivoire on a 3-0 scoreline.
Zimbabwe were also fined CHF 10,000 (US$10,400) for failing to fulfil the fixture by Fifa.
Cote d’Ivoire then also failed to turn up for the reverse fixture amid claims of a communication breakdown with their hosts prompting FIFA to re-arrange the game.
It also emerged that the Confederation of African Football had withdrawn Zimbabwe from the fixture programme and had installed Cameroon to play Cote d’Ivoire.
It is also against that background that the Ivoirians did not turn up for the return leg that was scheduled for August 2 at Rufaro.
However, Caf’s decision was overturned by Fifa, who rescheduled the match to August 23.
According to the Zifa website, the senior women’s national team is expected to be in camp tomorrow at Zifa Village for their crunch tie against Cote d’Ivoire.
Mugadza yesterday named her squad, retaining the bulk of the players who have been a regular feature for the womens senior team.
Seasoned players such as goalkeeper Chido Dzingirai, captain Felistus Muzongondi and midfielder Marjory Nyaumwe are all part of the cast.
Zifa spokesperson, Xolisani Gwesela said they are ready to host the match although he admitted that they are still facing financial problems.
“We want the team to have early preparations. Of course we’re ready to host the match that’s why we wrote to Fifa confirming that we’re ready to host,” said Gwesela.
However, it remains to be seen if the Mighty Warriors will be able to turn the tables in their favour considering that Cote d’Ivoire are already leading 3-0 after being awarded the first match.
There have also been challenges in the Mighty Warriors camp before with the players at one point boycotting training when they were preparing for the forfeited match in July demanding their outstanding allowances from last year.
Mighty Warriors squad
Chido Dzingirai, Process Chatsamwa, Deliwe Makaha, Nobuhle Majika, Moleen Murandu, Shiela Makoto, Talent Mandaza, Emmaculate Msipa, Chido Muhara, Samkelisiwe Zulu, Marjory Nyaumwe, Erina Jeke, Rutendo Makore, Rudo Neshamba, Mavis Chirandu, Felistus Muzongondi, Rejoice Kapfumvuti, Eunice Chibanda, Lynette Mutokuto, Berita Kabwe, Viola Ndlovu, Daisy Kaitano, Kudzayi Chiparaushe, Tafadzwa Tsunguro
Online Reporter