Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Young Warriors are targeting another victory over Mauritius today to secure a second-round showdown with Mali in the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The teams meet today at the Cote d’Or National Sports Complex, with Zimbabwe carrying a 2-0 advantage from last Wednesday’s first leg at the National Sports Stadium.
Goals from David Delani Chigwada and Nisbert Muzenda put Zimbabwe in control of the tie ahead of tomorrow’s return, which kicks off at 17:00 Zimbabwe time.
Midfielder Miles Bracking believes the Young Warriors can reproduce their dominant first-leg performance, but warned that they must maintain their concentration.
“We were very happy with the way we played in the first game, but we understand that there is still another game to go and a job that needs to be done,” said Bracking.
“We are going to try to keep the same level of focus and intensity in the second leg, dominate once again and try to win by three, four or five goals, if God wills it.
“Bracking, who made his international debut in Harare, wants Zimbabwe’s midfield to dictate proceedings again.
“The first leg at home was a very special moment for me individually. It was my international debut at the National Sports Stadium,” he said.
“I think I did a good job of controlling the tempo of the game alongside the other midfielders, and we are going to look to do that again in the second leg.”
Should Zimbabwe eliminate Mauritius, they will face Mali over two legs in the second round, with matches scheduled for 9 and 17 November.
Victory over Mali would take them into the final qualifying round against the winners of Algeria’s tie with either Malawi or Eswatini. Those matches are scheduled for 22 and 30 March next year.
The winners will join hosts Egypt at the eight-team 2027 finals, which also form part of Africa’s qualification pathway to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Midfielder Seth Chingwaro said the Young Warriors were determined to complete their immediate assignment before looking further ahead.
“Our previous game was very good. It was quite dominant, and I thought the team played well,” he said.
“I think it was a statement win, and we are hoping to do the same again on Tuesday.
“It is good that we have a 2-0 lead, but we all know that the job is not done yet. We still have another 90 minutes of football to play. Hopefully, we can get over the line.”
Chingwaro said the team had benefited from arriving in Mauritius early enough to train and adjust to the conditions.
“We got to Mauritius a couple of days ago, so we have been able to get some training sessions in before the game. I think we are quite prepared and ready to go,” he said.
Goalkeeper Tatenda Chikowero also expressed confidence in Zimbabwe’s preparations.
“The atmosphere is good, and I think all of us are adapting to it,” he said.
“We are going to give our best so that we can win. We will do everything we can to win that game.”
Bracking believes the first-leg victory strengthened the understanding within a squad that initially needed time to settle.
“In the first week of camp, and even going into the first game, we were still trying to learn about each other and what each player likes on the pitch,” he said.
“After that first game, we are closer than ever as a group.
“Day by day, we are getting closer, and going into the second leg, we feel united as one team.
“We are happy with how the first game went, but this is a new game with new challenges.
“We are going in confident that we can get the win.”
