admin
Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
MIGHTY Warriors striker Rudo Neshamba is confident they will upstage West African giants Cameroon and book their place at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Mighty Warriors will welcome Cameroon at Rufaro on Sunday needing to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit and write their own piece of history.
Neshamba had put Zimbabwe ahead in the first leg before Cameroon fired two goals back to win the encounter.
Despite Cameroon’s experience at this level of the game, Neshamba believes they can be tamed at Rufaro on Sunday.
The Mighty Warriors striker who also scored a crucial away goal that helped her side knock out Zambia in the second round in May believes that their task against Cameroon before their home fans on Sunday is not insurmountable.
Neshamba said she was happy with her form which had boosted her confidence and which she hopes will inspire Zimbabwe to glory.
“This is a must win game so we are going to put our all into that game so that we win the match. We have been working on the weaknesses that we had when we played against Cameroon and we have been working again to exploit their weaknesses. So I think at the moment we are getting there, we are almost there.
“We need a 1-0 win and I am pretty sure that we are going to do it, we are going to turn the tables around.
“I think I have gained a lot of confidence considering that I have scored in all the matches that we have played so far so I am sure that I am going to score again in this coming match,” said Neshamba.
The Mighty Warriors however, under no illusion about the tough route they would have to negotiate in order to join the elite class at the Olympic Games.
Cameroon are regarded as a strong team in women football in Africa and the senior women side should brace up for a tough encounter although they have the home advantage. Mighty Warriors goalkeeper Chido Dzingirai, who has been with the team for quite sometime now said they just needed to work as a team to overcome their opponents.
“What I can say at the moment is we have to play as a team. If we play as a team I know we will get it right, we will get the needed results and we are hoping to qualify for the Olympics.
“We are not under any pressure but we will play our normal game and I am confident we can pull through. We have to work hard so that we can make it. The morale is high, we are always positive even before we went to Cameroon morale was high in camp,” said Dzingirai.
Squad:
Chido Dzingirai, Lindiwe Magwede, Vanessa Lunga, Nobuhle Majika, Lynette Mutokuto, Sheila Makoto, Eunice Chibanda, Faith Chasi, Chido Muhara, Prisca Khumalo, Emmaculate Msipa, Rejoice Kapfumvuti, Felistas Muzongondi, Viola Ndlovu, Aldigrade Bhamu, Daisy Kaitano, Mavis Chirandu, Rufaro Machingura, Talent Mandaza, Rudo Neshamba, Kudakwashe Bhasopo, Erina Jeke, Rutendo Makore, Sibonginkosi Nleya, Marjory Nyaumwe
Online Reporter