Warriors back in hunt

performance that earned them a crucial 2-1 win over Mali as they bounced back in contention for the Group A ticket in the qualifiers.
South Africa-based Knowledge Musona scored a priceless brace that ensured the maiden win for Zimbabwe in this campaign after they had dropped points in the first three games.
The Warriors, however, remained third on the table but managed to close the gap on group leaders Cape Verde to just two points.
Cape Verde were beaten 1-0 by bottom-of-the table side Liberia in the other qualifier.
But Zimbabwe had made a slow start in the qualifiers following the 0-0 deadlock against Cape Verde in their opening match at home before grinding out a 1-1 with Liberia in Monrovia.
But victory was elusive for the Warriors early in the campaign as they lost 1-0 to Mali in their third match to leave them five points adrift of the group leaders Cape Verde.
But their 2-1 win over Mali on Sunday, and Cape Verde’s 1-0 defeat away to Liberia, revived the Warriors’ hopes.
The players harvested rich pickings from their labour as they were paid their US$2 000 bonuses each on Sunday night and were also promised US$1 500 by Zifa president Cuthbert Dube.
Former Warriors skipper Benjani Mwaruwari, who was also part of the crowd at Rufaro, also reportedly promised the players undisclosed amounts in incentives.
Zimbabwe put up a spirited performance, which earned them a deserved victory, despite having to wait until the last minute when they won a penalty after Ovidy Karuru was fouled in the box.
Musona’s initial kick was saved by impressive goalkeeper Soumaila Diakite.
But the keeper had moved off his line before the kick was taken and some of the Mali players had also encroached into the penalty area.
Referee Daniel Bennett ordered a retake, which Musona coolly slotted home on second attempt.
Warriors’ assistant coach Joey Antipas yesterday hailed the Warriors for their performance.
Zimbabwe’s success was largely inspired by team effort although there were some individual shows, with Karuru, Musona and Khama Billiat reminding the nation that there is hope for the future.
“The boys knew that this was a make or break tie and had to apply everything to get that win.
“It was a big victory because it gave us hope when there was little chance left.
“What we need at the moment is a big plan to prepare for the remaining games.
“The group is now open because Mali and Cape Verde who are currently on top of us will play each other while we host Liberia in our next matches,” said Antipas.
The visitors were bigger in stature than our crop of Warriors and were more physical in approach but talent and the burning desire for success won the day for Zimbabwe.
France-based midfielder Karuru was outstanding the whole afternoon against the big Mali players in the midfield hub.
“Mali have strong players and they won almost all the loose balls in 50-50 situations but we did well as we kept on harassing them.
“We knew we were going to face that challenge from the first leg we played in Bamako.
“But Nyasha Mushekwi played a good role because he pulled two giant defenders with him, leaving room for the other strikers to manoeuvre,” said Antipas.
Mali captain Cedric Konte said the Eagles had looked on course to grab a crucial point that would have complicated matters for the home team but were disappointed after conceding from the spot kick late in the game.
Midfielder El Hadji Mohamane Traore had given them an upper hand after cancelling out Musona’s brilliant opener soon after the restart.
But with the fans spurring their team on, the Warriors could not afford to break the hearts of their faithful.
Konte told Cafonline that apart from succumbing to pressure in front of a boisterous crowd that thronged the stadium, the Eagles also found it difficult to play on synthetic surface at Rufaro.
“We scored the equaliser and I think we were doing very well.
“When you play away there’s big pressure, and I don’t know if it (the second goal) was a penalty or not.
“But if you are defending too much you might end up giving away free-kicks or penalties and it happened like this, so we are very disappointed.
“A 1-1 draw was going to be a good result for us, but it was difficult to play on the (artificial) pitch and in the stadium with the big crowd, but I think we can still mount a good challenge for qualification,” he added.
The Eagles remained second on the table with six points while Cape Verde retained their position on top despite losing 1-0 to basement side Liberia away in Monrovia.
Liberia’s Francis Doe headed home the solitary goal of the match in the 31st minute and the Lone Star took their tally to four points from as many games.
Cape Verde are still top of the group, Mali second, Zimbabwe in third place and Liberia remain bottom, with one point separating each of the teams in their order.
Cape Verde have seven points, Mali six, Zimbabwe five and Liberia four, which makes the group wide open as there are still six more points to play for.
Zimbabwe will host Liberia in their next assignment while Cape Verde travel to Mali in September.
The Warriors then round off with an away tie against Cape Verde.
Defending champions Egypt were left on the verge of losing their crown as their chances of qualification were virtually extinguished after playing a goalless home draw against South Africa.
The draw placed Bafana Bafana on top of Group G with eight points while Egypt sit at the bottom with two points.
Bafana Bafana now require one win in the remaining two fixtures to ensure their qualification.
They will play Niger away in September and host Sierra Leone in October.