adminZimbabwe drew 1-1 with Botswana in the final leg of the first round at Molepolole Sports Complex on Friday.
Carrying a healthy 4-0 lead from the reverse fixture at Barbourfields, Zimbabwe were stunned by an early goal in the third minute as Botswana hoped to wipe out the deficit and rescue the game at home.
But Elton Dzirombiro equalised for Zimbabwe in the 10th minute and the game stayed that way until the end for the Young Warriors to win 5-1 on aggregate.
Zimbabwe now face Angola in the second round set for the end of July.
“At least we are glad that we have managed to go through to the next round.
“But I know that competition will be getting tougher and as such we need to intensify our preparations.
“We got to understand that Botswana fielded some players who were probably over-aged but we let that pass since we were comfortable.
“If all goes according to plans, we want to camp for least three weeks until the game.
“It is important that we play at least an international friendly and I am looking at Zambia as possible opponents,” said Tapera.
Tapera said he is likely to ring some changes to his squad if better players come along.
“The Under-20 is a developmental team and if better players come we can include them in the team.
“I can even take an exceptionally good player just a day before the game if he fits,” said Tapera.
Winners between Angola and Zimbabwe will face either Egypt or Kenya in the final qualifiers for Algeria in 2013.
Online Reporter