Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Under-20 team handball coach Tafadzwa Madure has admitted so far it has been tough at the ongoing African Men’s Junior Nations Championship in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
Zimbabwe have lost the two matches they have played to date.
They fell 28-39 to Cote d’Ivoire before they suffered a 20-48 defeat at the hands of Guinea in their second Group A game on Sunday.
Zimbabwe needed a win in their second game against Guinea to keep their hopes of advancing to the next round alive.
But Guinea proved to be a tough opponent for them.
“Very tough game. Remember Guinea’s Under-18s played in the World Championships tournament last year representing Africa, so some of the boys are now Under-20 and some are still Under-18; it’s a strong team
“It was a hard, tough and tense match playing with a stronger team.
“We played well considering we had a couple of knocks from our first game on a few players. But we managed to contend with them because the margin could have been more,” Madure said.
Despite the loss, Madure feels his charges gave their best.
Zimbabwe head into their next game against Rwanda later today winless and out of contention for a place in the quarterfinals.
Guinea lead Group A with four points.
They are followed by Cote d’Ivoire with two points, the same as Rwanda, but they have a superior goal difference.
“We needed two wins in the group to proceed to the quarter but we have lost two matches out of three and we are playing against defending champions, Rwanda.
“We shall play harder. We need that game; we need a win.
“Today (Monday) we assess those with injuries as we await the last group games.
“I saw them (Rwanda) play their first match; I think if we work harder, we can get a better result,” added Madure.
While Zimbabwe take on Rwanda today, Guinea face the hosts, Cote d’Ivoire in the other Group A game.
The tournament is featuring 16 teams.
The teams are divided into four groups and the top two from each group will progress to the quarterfinals, while the bottom two will play placement play-offs.
