adminThe Young Warriors, who knocked out Botswana from the competition with a 5-1 aggregate win, will play host to Angola at Rufaro Stadium before travelling for a return leg in a fortnight’s time.
At the weekend, the Young Warriors lost 2-0 to ZPC Kariba and Tapera said his charges were impressive.
“We are not going to have another friendly game because we do not want to risk the players picking injuries. The game against ZPC Kariba presented us an opportunity to look at the players and the good thing is they gave us a good run. I was impressed with the players’ attitude and now we are just working on a few aspects to make sure we are ready for the tie,” said Tapera.
Tapera said he would announce his final 18 on Saturday.
The good thing for Tapera is that clubs agreed to release their players for the two-week training camp on time.
Key players in the Young Warriors like Knox Mutizwa of Highlanders, Chicken Inn’s duo of Kuda Mahachi and Lawrence “Dazzy” Mhlanga, Bantu Rovers’ trio of Kelvin Moyo, Elvis Moyo and Nqobizitha Masuku and captain Willard Kalongoda have been with the squad since the first day of the camp.
On Sunday, Mhlanga, who was left out when Zimbabwe played Botswana at Barbourfields Stadium as he did not have a passport, is expected to partner skipper Kalongoda at the heart of defence.
Mutizwa is expected to lead the team’s attack with Mahachi, Masuku, Munyaradzi Chiwara and Edmore Tsoro likely to form Zimbabwe’s midfield unit.
Meanwhile, a Zifa official Joseph Mamutse challenged the nation to rally behind the team.
Young Warriors’ squad
T Mateyaunga, R Madzongwe, K Magama, E Tsoro, W Kalongonda, K Mahachi, K Mutizwa, N Masuku, L Mhlanga, M Sibanda, K Moyo, E Moyo, F Madora, E Dzirondoro, B Five, A Gwatidzo, M Phiri, B Moyo, T Chitukutuku, V Mbira, W Musona, P Tembani, T Dzumbunu, M Chiwara, T Muswe, T Chinodya, G Chinobva, K Chiriporako.
Online Reporter