Tanzania coach warns Mighty Warriors

Super Falcons at the 2010 edition of the Africa Cup in Johannesburg and lost 1-2.
But after a 1-4 defeat to Mighty Warriors in Dar–es-Salaam on Saturday night, the coach had a piece of advice to Rose Mugadza and company.
The East Africans have a relatively easier task when they face neighbours Ethiopia but is not the same for the Cosafa champions, Zimbabwe, who have to negotiate their way past the West Africans. 
“Nigeria is an experienced side there is no doubt about that.
“But they now use old players and if Zimbabwe players, who are young, use pace and determination they will surprise the defending champions.
“It is not like they are invincible. Zimbabwe have picked up their game compared to the last time we met them at the All-Africa Games.
“Today they played open football while we lacked strength,” said Mkwasa.
The Tanzanian coach watched in horror as his side slumped to a 1-4 defeat with first half goals from Rufaro Machingura and Nokuthula Ndlovu.
The hosts quickly pulled one back after the restart but an own goal by Tanzania defender killed the match as a contest.
Big forward Machingura, who last played for the senior team last year during the Unity Cup, scored the fourth goal to complete a good afternoon for the visitors.
The match was being used by both teams to fine-tune their squads ahead of the first leg of the last qualifying round of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Mugadza said her team still needs to improve in all departments.
“We will go home and work, by the time we meet Nigeria we would have improved as we need to change tactically and also improve our fitness levels.
“At least, the players managed to take instructions and there was improvement from our first warm-up match against Zambia,” said Mugadza.
The coach revealed that she was pleased with some combinations.
Black Rhinos striker Kuda Basopo was fielded in defensive midfield and did well while Nobuhle Majika was the right back and had some anxious moments in the first half with Twiga Stars winger Omari Mwanahamis exposing her.
However ,she improved in the second period while the twin centre backs Danai Bhobho and Lilian Masase rarely put a wrong foot.
And the coach will be pleased by the upfront pair of Machingura and Rutendo Makore which had a good outing although Machingura still lacks match fitness and was later pulled out after she got injured when she scored her second goal.
“Tanzania gave us what we needed to see as we try new combinations. We need to improve on our passing in the midfield but the defence did well and Kuda did well on the defensive link.
“Our senior players let us down in the first half but we told them they should not relax because we are simply leading as Marjoury tends to be complacent.
“Slowly we are getting there and by the time we meet Nigeria we should have polished all areas.
“We will regroup on Wednesday and continue with our preparations until the match day,” said Mugadza.
The team returned yesterday afternoon.