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Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWEANS are confident that the Warriors will beat the Eagles of Mali in Rwanda this afternoon and breathe life into their 2016 CHAN campaign.

The Warriors lost 0-1 to Zambia in their opening Group D match at Umganda Stadium on Tuesday.

But some fans yesterday told The Herald that they still believe the Class of 2016 will not crash out of the tournament in the group stages.

A Warriors fan, Tinashe Makichi, believes Zimbabwe can win 1-0 if coach Callisto Pasuwa plays his cards right in the middle of the park.

“I think we will win 1-0 only if we play Joel Ngodzo in midfield because the difference between Ian Gorowa’s team and Pasuwa’s team that played Zambia is that the team that played Chipolopolo did not have someone to pull the strings in midfield like what Peter ‘Rio’ Moyo did for Gorowa,” he said.

Another supporter Joseph Mambo said the Warriors will scrap through.

“I think we will win 2-1. The game might be boring but we will win. It will not be a technical game but we should win and I think Rodreck Mutuma will hit the back of the net twice,” he said.

Trevor Chidembo also believes that Mutuma, who was only introduced in the second half against Zambia, should be handed a start against the West Africans

“I think Pasuwa should start Mutuma and use natural wingers like Marshal Mudehwe with Ronald Chitiyo playing as an attacking midfielder assisted by Raphael Manuvire.

“I think that if they play a passing game and try to score an early goal we will win the match,” he said.

Martin Mangoni said he is confident that his team will progress and the defeat against Zambia was just a minor setback.

“We lost but Uganda and Mali drew so today’s game is crucial for us and I am sure that we will win. The team can surprise us with a better performance compared to the first match.

“We have good players and a good coach and we want to sing ‘Yave Nyama Yekugocha’ tonight,” he said.

Another Warriors fan, Sergio Ngombengombe, was bullish that Zimbabwe will get three points today.

“We have enough fire power to win the game and we just need to remain composed. The strike force should get at least a goal for us and the defence should concentrate until the final whistle.

“Go Warriors Go!” he said.

Gift Gwasira said it was time for business.

“Unless our guys stop playing to the gallery and to please talent scouts with their not-so-good dribbling skills, I don’t see them going through, even to score a goal.

“They stand a better chance of being noticed if they play as a team.

“Our strikers’ hunger for goals is appalling. The body language tells it all. Only miracles will see us through if the first match is anything go to by.”

However, Farai Matanda said: “Fight until you win the battle. Mutuma must be in the starting line up. Guys pass the ball to the right person at the right time. Zim 2 Mali 0.”

Lovemore Mushangwe said the Warriors lacked class.

“Our national team is dominated by players who are on top of their game but lack class. I also realised the lack of experience that has eroded confidence among the youngsters thereby failing to raise their game as expected at the grand stage.”

Dinee Taranja feels there is need for the coach to change the team.

“Do the talking on the field guys. We need about five new faces in that line up if the team that played Zambia is the one playing, I don’t see us winning any game,” said Taranja.