adminLapse of concentration in the last stages of the match by Young Warriors’ back line ensured Congo walked away with the three points making life difficult for the teenage Warriors in the return leg in a fortnight.
The Lloyd Chigowe charges had done well when Tino Kadewere equalised for the home side having trailed to an Obasi Ngatsoko first half effort.
With the match headed for a stalemate, Young Warriors’ backline failed to clear from a set piece allowing Congo’s Alain to kill the match with five minutes from time giving them an advantage ahead of the second leg.
The Young Warriors could not learn from their first match against Mozambique when they conceded two away goals and they now face an uphill task against an otherwise strong side.
The Congolese looked much older but Young Warriors had their chances, which went begging on many occasions especially in the first half.
Young Warriors assistant coach was not happy with the manner in which they conceded the two goals but is confident of progressing to the next round.
“We defended poorly on set pieces and the two goals we conceded they all came from set pieces,” said Sawu.
“We need to work hard especially from the midfield and our defenders because we failed to keep the ball.
“Besides the two goals I think the overall performance of the team was good and we still stand a chance of progressing but it needs total concentration.
“It’s not going to be easy and this team is different from Mozambique but if we believe in ourselves we can make it to the last round,” added Sawu.
Young Warriors had goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva to thank as he kept the team in contention with great saves through out the day.
The teenage Warriors lost the battle especially in the midfield where Bastos Chihowa, Tinashe Muza and Carlos Mavhurume failed to form a formidable partnership.
Kelvin Bingala was impressive in the holding position winning some important tussles but he was let down by his teammates.
Online Reporter