Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo Zimpapers Sports Hub
Zim U23 2-0 Mauritius U23
IT had been a while since the national Under-23 team played international football.
The wait, perhaps too long, has, however, been worth it after the Young Warriors turned on the power to beat Mauritius 2-0 in this first leg of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifier at the National Sports Stadium last night.
Goals in each half by David Chigwada and Nisbert Muzenda sealed the win for Zimbabwe a week before the Young Warriors travel for the second leg in Mauritius.
The victory, posted before an appreciative crowd provided some comfort to the fans two days after the Warriors lost 2-1 to DRC on Monday in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
And the Young Warriors playing together for the first time, did it with complete conviction.
They were all over their opponents, having the ball most of the timel and dominating vast territory.
The 2-0 scoreline was never a true reflection of the game with Zimbabwe dropping several chances to score at least four goals.
The guests never threatened, not even once, with their only opportunity, if it can be called so, finding its way into the hands of Zimbabwe goalkeeper Tatenda Chikowero.
Despite all the dominance though, coach Marc Sanchez, celebrated with some caution saying the job is not yet done. The winner over the two legs will face Mali in the next round with a place at the 2028 Olympics beckoning.
“I think we dominated the match from the first minute to the last minute,” said Sanchez.
“And I’m so happy with the job that my players have done. We conceded just one shot on target in all the 90 minutes and that is never easy.
“I think we could have scored more goals. And going with that result to the next match is not a definitive result, so we’ll have to finish the job next match.”
Chigwada was a constant threat and 34 minutes into the game, he shot at goal and a slight deflection helped it in.
It looked like that was the goal they needed for the floodgates to give but Mauritius, to their credit, defended tactically well with a low block.
It only took the brilliance of Muzenda to carve them open deep into the second half to double Zimbabwe’s advantage.
Mauritius coach Cadrivel Dorasami was naturally disappointed but promised to take the game to the Young Warriors in the return leg.
The fixture is not done but Zimbabwe can enjoy the moment until next Wednesday.
