Warriors’ big test

years ago when they arrived here with the odds heavily stacked against them, but produced a magnificent result that swept them into their maiden Nations Cup finals in Tunisia in 2004.
It’s now all systems go for Zimbabwe who take on Mali in a tricky 2012 African Nations Cup qualifier at the Stade March 26 this evening.
Interestingly, today is March 26.
Going into the assignment that kicks off at 7pm (9pm Zimbabwean time), the Warriors are still carrying the bragging rights.
In June 2003, the Warriors, under Sunday Chidzambwa, arrived here under a dark cloud after Zifa had bungled on their travel arrangements and the trip from Harare was at one time abandoned in mid-air before the Government chartered a flight on the eve of the game.
Zimbabwe edged Mali 1-0 in a reverse fixture at the National Sports Stadium, but Chidzambwa’s men were given very little chance because of the poor preparations on the return.
But Zimbabwe produced a stellar performance to force a 0-0 draw and Tinashe Nengomasha and Tapiwa Kapini, who were part of the history-making team, are back for the another Battle in Bamako.
Kaizer Chiefs midfield general Nengo-masha is the most seasoned player in the current team that coach Norman Mapeza has assembled.
Nengomasha is hopeful of a win, but said he will let his feet do the talking.
“At the moment I cannot say much before the game but I will talk after the game,” said Nengomasha.
Nengomasha has the strength to match the Malians and is expected to be deployed in midfield alongside Justice Majabvi.
Kapini, who is expected to provide cover for Washington Arubi, however, believes that teamwork will be the key to unlocking a positive result for Zimbabwe.
“Our focus is to win the game here,” said Kapini.
A win for Zimbabwe will see them going to five points and we could go to the top of the group if Cape Verde, who have set the pace, either draw or lose at home against Liberia in another tie today.
Zimbabwe have two draws from as many matches against Liberia and a disappointing home draw against Cape Verde while Mali are in second place with three points from their win 2-1 win over Liberia.
A draw will still be a fair result but will see the Warriors remaining in third position before they host Mali in the return leg in June in Harare.
But Kapini says the job should done tonight so that Zimbabwe bring their campaign back on track.
Zimbabwe started brightly with a 1-1 draw against Liberia in Monrovia with Mapeza in charge but Zifa threw spanners in the works as they appointed Belgian Tom Saintfiet who then failed to get a work permit before the Cape Verde match.
The circus over the coaching post has since ended and Mapeza is back while Kapini says team spirit is now vital.
“The most important thing is for us to play as a team. We have a number of younger players in the team but we have been encouraging them.
“After the match I am sure we will have the produced the best result.
“All the boys are prepared and they know that we have to do everything as a team,” said Kapini who plays for Platinum FC in South Africa.
Kapini said the Warriors had expected a hostile reception from the Malians but are happy at the good treatment they are getting.
“When we came here we had expected the usual treatment from West African countries but we had said that were not going let that affect us.
“The focus is there is the team and we came here and know the result we want.
“As a team, we should work towards getting the result,” said Kapini.
He said the team has experienced players who can withstand the heat in Mali and atmosphere away from home.
“We have some players who have played at the CHAN and others were in the Champions League.
“The Champions League is highly level competition and that will count for us again,” said Kapini.
Another seasoned player Ovidy Karuru said the fact that Mali has many of their players drawn from the French League will not matter much.
“We know the result we want to get and it has to be a win. I know that the players from Mali are strong and play a physical game.”We have to play a passing game and play as a unit,” said Karuru.
Karuru, of FC Boulgoune in the French Legia 2, is one of the Europe-based in the squad alongside Majabvi.
Mali have goalkeeper Soumalia Diakiate of Stade Malien and Oumar Sissoko from French side Metz.
Defender Adama Tamboura also plays for Metz while Drissa Diakite is at Nice with team skipper Mohammad Diarra coming from Monaco.
Samba Sow, one of the dangerous players in the team, is on the books of Lens as France provide more than three quarters of the players in the side.
However, Warriors assistant coach Joey Antipas said he was hoping that they will give Mali a good run.
“We know that Mali has players who play in France as we know them as individuals.
“But we also have players from Europe and from South Africa so we are not intimidated.
“So far our preparations have gone well and we hope to get a result,” said Antipas.
Antipas said Zimbabwe will carry the underdogs tag as they march into the game against Mali who will be under pressure from their home fans.
“We are the underdogs in this game and have no pressure at all but we are going to give Mali a good run for their money,” said Antipas.
Antipas said Zimbabwe could have been stronger had the team not been affected by injuries to some players.
Skipper Method Mwanjali is set to play in the right wingback position with Guthrie Zhokinyi and Thomas Sweswe forming the central defence and Vusa Nyoni on the left.
Majabvi and Nengomasha will play in central midfield with Benjanin Marere getting a place on the right wing.
Khama Billiat, who has been in fine form for Ajax Cape Town, could play on the left wing in midfield.
Nyasha Mushekwi and Edward Sado-mba are tipped to lead the attack.
The Dynamos duo of Archie Gutu and Denver Mukamba could also come from the bench.