Online Reporter
AS has seemingly become the norm with Zimbabwe youth teams, the Young Warriors and the Young Mighty Warriors were left with hard work to do after losing their opening games at the COSAFA Under-20 tournament in Windhoek, Namibia yesterday.
This year’s COSAFA Under-20 competition, is being run concurrently with the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Games in Windhoek.
And the Young Warriors were left with all to do following a 2-1 defeat by Malawi.
There were two games each in Group A in both the men and women’s tournaments as the players began their campaign to what they hope will be the gold medal come the finals on July 13.
Malawi top Group A after the first round of fixtures in the men’s competition following the win over Zimbabwe 2-1 at the Hage Geingob Stadium.
Mwisho Mhango put the Young Flames ahead in the first half, but Scottland teenage forward Tadiwa Chakuchichi equalised for Zimbabwe just before the hour-mark.
Malawi hit the front again when Mhango unselfishly tried to cross the ball when through on goal and it deflected into the net off Zimbabwe defender Garie Chibika for an unfortunate own goal.
Angola got their campaign off to a solid start with a 1-0 win over hosts Namibia in the second game in Group A. The match was decided by a single strike from Angola’s Danilson Cundula, whose brilliant volley at the back post arrowed into the net.
Action continues today when the first matches are played in Group B.
Eswatini meet Botswana at the UNAM Stadium at 12 noon and later in the afternoon South Africa clash with Zambia in a classic Southern Hemisphere showdown that is a repeat of the 2024 COSAFA U20 Championship final in Matola (kick-off 3pm)
There was no joy either for the Young Mighty Warriors who fell by an identical 2-1 defeat by Botswana edged in Group A, providing a disappointing day for both sides from Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe took an early lead through Plaxina Blandason, but Botswana were level by the break as substitute Hope Lesotlo fired in a shot from 25 yards that is an early contender for goal of the tournament.
It looked as though the match would finish 1-1, but in the second minute of injury-time at the end of the game, a quick counter-attack from Botswana allowed Amogolang Sebotho to score.
In the second game of the day, hosts Namibia and Malawi played to a goalless draw. Both sides had chances, but neither could find the back of the net to get their campaigns off to a winning start. – Sports Reporter/Cosafa.com
