Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Zimbabwe U-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)2
Mauritius U23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
IT had been a while since the national U-23 team played international football.
The wait, perhaps too long, has however been worth it after the Young Warriors turned on the power in this first leg of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifying victory 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 swaths and conviction.
They were all over their opponents, having the majority of the ball 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 90 minutes.
“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 goal-ward with a slight deflection helping it in.
It looked like that was the goal they needed for the floodgates to give way, but Mauritius, to their credit, de-fended 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.
