Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’s Young Mighty Warriors have vowed to avenge the humiliation they suffered at the hands of Zambia when the two neighbours clash in a COSAFA Girls Under-17 Championships semi-final this afternoon.
The high-stakes game is the first of the two semi-finals at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia and is set for a midday kick-off. Group A winners Malawi and Mozambique, who qualified by virtue of being the best second-placed side, clash in the second semi-final at 3pm. The Young Mighty Warriors showed their prowess when hammering Lesotho 12-2 to claim the group ticket.
But they go into today’s battle as the underdogs, as their previous meeting against Zambia in this tourney last year ended in a 7-2 humiliation for Lindiwe Ndlovu’s charges.
Zambia are also the defending champion.
Meanwhile, Zambia, the defending champions, are determined to retain their title.
The Young Mighty Warriors’ emphatic win over Lesotho was spearheaded by 12-year-old Legends Football Academy sensation Winnie Dee Mapuwa, who stole the spotlight with four goals along with strike partner Mya Munyanduki. Chiedza Khumalo added a brace, while Perpetua Chisuro and Alicia Chinyoka contributed a goal each in a match where goal difference was crucial. Yesterday Mapuwa, Munyanduki, and fellow defender Hazel Kanyuru had their stand-out performances recognised by the COSAFA Technical Study Group, who included them in the tournament’s Best XI at the end of the group stage matches. But the tough task against the physically stronger Zambians is something that is not lost on Zimbabwe’s assistant coach, Yohane Chikaola, who acknowledged the challenge ahead but remained optimistic.
“Playing against big teams tests our level as a team,” Chikaola said. “Last time at COSAFA, Zambia beat us 7-2. Now it’s a revenge mission, we’re going to fight.” Star striker Mya Munyanduki echoed the team’s determination.
“We are praying to win. We want to score more goals and be the best. To achieve that, we’ll defend well and attack relentlessly.”
Coach Ndlovu also added that the Young Mighty Warriors had quickly put behind them the joy of their impressive win in order to focus on today’s match. “The girls played very well, I’m very proud of our collective effort from both our technical and players but we can’t let our guard down.
“We need to stay focused.
“The win boosted our confidence, considering that we were coming from a loss.
“I’m expecting a very competitive match and we are prepared for it. It is very important for the team to qualify for the finals and we have been working very hard to progress from the group stage,’’ Ndlovu said. On the other side, Zambian coach Carol Kanyemba admitted the pressure of the semi-finals but remained confident in her squad. “Playing in the semi-finals isn’t easy; sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.
“But the team is excited and anxious to defend the trophy. This tournament is about exposure, and every player will get their chance,’’ Kanyemba said.
