Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Under-20 team handball coach Tafadzwa Madure has admitted it has been tough going so far at the ongoing African Men’s Junior Nations Championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Team 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 alive their hopes of advancing to the next round.
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 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 today win-less and out of contention for a place in the quarter-finals.
Guinea lead Group A with four points.
They are followed by Cote d’Ivoire with two points, 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 two matches we have lost out of three matches, and the third we are playing against defending champions, Rwanda.
“We shall play harder. We need that game; we need a win.
“Today (yesterday) 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 features 16 teams.
The teams are divided into four groups, and the top two from each group progress to the quarter-finals while the bottom two play placement play-offs.
