Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Zimbabwe U-23……….…………..(1)2
Mauritius U-23……………………..0
IF this was a glimpse into the future of the Warriors, then it’s a beautiful picture.
It has been a while since the national Under-23 team played international football.
The wait, perhaps too long, has been worth it after the Young Warriors turned on the power and style in this first leg of the 2028 Olympic Games qualifier at the National Sports Stadium last night.
Goals in each half by Bretford’s David Chigwada and Nisbert Muzenda sealed the win for Zimbabwe.
The victory provided some comfort to the fans, two days after the Warriors lost 1-2 to DRC on Monday, in a 2027 AFCON qualifier.
And, the Young Warriors, with their players playing together for the first time, did it with a touch of beauty and a tonne of conviction.
They were all over their opponents, having the majority of the ball and dominating vast territory.
The 2-0 scoreline was not a true reflection of the game with Zimbabwe missing several chances to score at least four goals.
The visitors never threatened, not even once, with their only opportunity, if it can be called something like that, 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 was 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 since 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, that is never easy.
“I think we could have scored some 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 goalwards with a slight deflection helping it in.
It looked like that was the goal they needed for the floodgates to open 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.
