Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Mozambique 1- 3 Zimbabwe
THANDO Ngwenya struck twice in the first half, as a spirited Zimbabwe side signed off from the Cosafa Cup with a rousing 3-1 victory over Mozambique yesterday, salvaging pride after a disappointing group-stage exit at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Ngwenya led from the front with a brilliant brace, inspiring a dominant performance that ensured the Warriors, made up largely of rookies under interim coach Simon Marange, bowed out with their dignity intact after an otherwise frustrating campaign.
For once, the youthful Warriors side looked like a cohesive outfit capable of matching the region’s best.
But their earlier lackluster performances, a goalless draw against minnows Mauritius and a dismal 2-0 defeat to hosts South Africa, left them with too much ground to recover.
Going into their final Group A encounter, Zimbabwe had already been mathematically ruled out of contention. With head to head records serving as the primary tiebreaker in this year’s Cosafa rules, they stood no chance of advancing regardless of the outcome of the concurrent match between South Africa and Mauritius.
South Africa, who had beaten Zimbabwe, only needed a draw in their game to qualify, something they managed. Mauritius, meanwhile, were praying for a win against Bafana Bafana while hoping Zimbabwe would beat Mozambique.
Mozambique, on their part, only needed a point to progress, provided South Africa and Mauritius drew.
But the Warriors weren’t playing to help anyone.
They came out with purpose and attacking intent from the first whistle. Mozambique’s ultra-defensive approach worked in Zimbabwe’s favour, and the Warriors took control of the proceedings early.
Ngwenya, a constant menace to the Mambas’ backline, opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when he stabbed home Nisbert Muzenda’s intelligent cut back. Although the goal was initially flagged for offside, a lengthy VAR review overturned the call, handing Zimbabwe their first goal of the tournament.
That breakthrough sparked belief into the Warriors’ ranks, and they began to play with fluidity and confidence.
Nine minutes before half time, Ngwenya was brought down in the box just as he was about to pull the trigger. The referee pointed to the spot, and the in form striker stepped up to slot the penalty calmly, doubling Zimbabwe’s lead and effectively putting them in cruise control.
However, Mozambique weren’t ready to go down without a fight. Needing at least a draw to stand a chance, they pulled one back through Leonel Calsao, whose speculative effort took a wicked deflection and beat goalkeeper, Tatenda Chikowero.
The second half saw both teams exchanging attacks, but Zimbabwe’s defence stood firm, with Chikowero making key saves to preserve the lead.
With Mozambique throwing bodies forward in search of an equaliser, Zimbabwe hit on the counter, and Junior Makunike sealed the result with a powerful finish to cap off a satisfying display and clinch second place in Group A.
“It was a good match from the lads,” said coach Marange. “It’s unfortunate, we ended up exiting in the group stage but the performance was very good from the players. I will give it to them.”
Teams
Mozambique:
Acaco Muendane, Manuel Cumbane (Edson Mucuana 87min), Osama Pedro, Angelo Cantolo, Keyns Aboala, Leonel Calsao (Kelvio Neves 69min), Oscar Cherene, Fernando Jose (Baptista Francesco 87min), Ivene Cuboco Lourenco, Manhique
Zimbabwe:
Tatenda Chikowero, Blessed Mashonganyika, Prosper Padera, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (Nathan Mutasa 90min), Junior Makunike, Prince Ndlovu (Tanaka Munemo 73min), Tinotenda Meke (Menzi Mazwi 79min), Allen Chapinduka, Nisbert Muzenda, Andrew Mbeba, Calvin Chigara
Tadious Manyepo, I am disappointed by your reporting skills, just look at the Cosafa group table which you didn’t even upload. if you do so you will see how different your story is to what actually happened.