Warriors warned against complacency

Zimbabwe are carrying a seemingly healthy 3-1 win from the first leg at Rufaro and need to avoid a defeat by two goals to progress to the finals in South Africa.

 

Goals by Khama Billiat, Archieford Gutu and an own goal from Angolan midfielder Mateus condemned the Angolans to a defeat at Rufaro last month.

Now Rahman Gumbo has beefed up his squad after he called three seasoned strikers in Kingston Nkhata, Edward Sadomba and Cuthbert Malajila.

The trio had been suspended by Zifa following their involvement in the Asiagate scandal but have since been cleared.

Striker Knowledge Musona who missed the first leg following a breakdown in communication with Zifa is also available for the make or break tie at the November 11 Stadium.

Veteran midfielder Tinashe Nengomasha has also made himself available, while Kaizer Chiefs defender Lincoln Zvasiya is also fighting for a place after being cleared by the Zifa Independent Ethics Committee.

Mandigora, a veteran of many battles on the African continent during his days as a player and coach with Dynamos, believes Zimbabwe stand a better chance of reaching the finals.

The former Dynamos coach said they are still assessing their squad of nearly 30 players.

“At the moment we have got all the guys at our disposal and we will see how they will perform after the practise match in the afternoon (yesterday).

“I am glad that so far we have no major injuries to worry about,” said Mandigora.

The Warriors technical team are yet to name their final 18 but Mandigora said they are excited because of the ample options available.

“The guys know that they have to perform well and we are carrying a 3-1 lead which makes us better off than the Angolans as we go into this match.

“However, we have to avoid being complacent.

“We have been getting it into their heads before each training session, that they should not be complacent.

“For now we have not finalised our squad and we will have a headache but it’s a better headache,” said Mandigora.

Mandigora is bidding for his second appearance as part of the Warriors’ technical team at the African Nations Cup finals following his tour of duty to Egypt in 2006.

In 2006, Mandigora was an assistant coach to Charles Mhlauri.

Yesterday, Mandigora and the technical team received the backing of former Warriors and Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar in their bid to qualify for the African Nations finals.

“I really hope The Warriors can win at the weekend.

“My best wishes go to Rahman Gumbo, Peter Ndlovu and David Mandigora to inspire the team to win. Nyama Yekugocha Warriors!” wrote Grobbelaar.

Meanwhile, the Angolan national team coach Gustavo Ferrin is happy with their preparations following the arrival of Dede who plays for AEL Limassol of Cyprus and defender Zuela of Apoel, Turkey.

Dede and Zuela arrived in Luanda on Tuesday ahead of Djalma Campos (Kasimpasa Turkey).

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