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(Zimbabwe won 3-1 on aggregate).
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors completed their stunning transformation in the past year by qualifying for the All-Africa Games to be held in Mozambique in September.
Twelve months ago, the Mighty Warriors were virtually a dead franchise, but the arrival of Mavis Gumbo as head of women’s football in the country, has revolutionised the team.
And yesterday, it was all smiles as the team took its place at the All-Africa Games by defeating the highly-rated Palancas Negras in the second leg of the last qualifying round before a huge crowd at Rufaro.
Zimbabwe, who drew 1-1 with the visitors in the reverse leg, wrapped up the match in the first half with a good show to seal their place at the Games which are staged after every four years.
The Mighty Warriors join the basketball women’s team, which booked their place a few month ago, and could be joined by the Young Warriors soon if they can beat South Africa.
Chief striker Rudo Neshamba, the beauty queen who is the team’s poster girl, underlined her growing status as a trusted gunslinger when she gave the hosts the lead in the 37th minute.
The Inline Academy forward also scored in the first leg in Angola.
She received a fine pass from the flank in a move, orchestrated by rightback Eunice Chibanda, and her shot crashed into the roof of the net to send the big crowd into delirium.
However, the hosts were not finished and in the 45th minute, they secured the insurance goal via a penalty which was converted by centreback Nobuhle Majika.
Tanzanian referee Judith Gamba adjudged that Angolan defender Yolanda Antonio had handled in the box.
But Zimbabwe, who still had possession and had not heard the whistle, continued with the attack and midfielder Nokuthula Ndlovu drilled the ball home.
But the referee rightly ruled it out and pointed to the spot and Majika duly converted.
It was game over for the Mighty Warriors who had completed their mission and not even subdued performance in the second half could take away the glitter from their achievement.
They had accomplished their mission and after featuring in the All-Africa Games in Abuja in 2003, Zimbabwe will now make their second appearance.
And, crucially, this time they qualified for it.
Coach Rosemary Mugadza was on cloud nine.
“I am happy to qualify for the Mozambique tournament and I say well done to the girls.
“The team played according to a game plan . . . they got the early goal we wanted and we could have won by a bigger margin,” said Mugadza.
“In Maputo, we will play teams like Nigeria so we have to brace for tough competition.
“This is a good start for women’s football and I am appealing to the corporate world to support women’s football and they won’t be disappointed.
“I would like to thank the supporters who came to support us in their numbers and hope they will continue to support us as we prepare for Maputo.”
Angola assistant coach Simao Jose congratulated the Mighty Warriors and challenged them to raise the Southern Africa flag at the continental showcase.
“We have to congratulate Zimbabwe. They were more focussed than us.
“Hope they will do well at the tournament and represent us as we are one family,” said Jose.
Zimbabwe beat Zambia 4-1 in the last round while Angola had a bye.
Yesterday, the Mighty Warriors did not really play as an efficient unit and struggled in the opening stages of the match.
The coach made two changes to the team, which played in the reverse match, and forward Erina Jeke who got the nod ahead of giant Rufaro Machingura, struggled with her game.
There was little activity upfront as the forwards where starved of balls and the opening goal had to come due to a piece of individual brilliance by young Chibanda.
While Zimbabwe appeared jittery the visitors were barely in it and Mighty Warriors goalkeeper Onai Chingawo was hardly tested the whole afternoon except for a long range effort in the 71st minute by Isabel Davide.
But by then, the party had started in the stands.
Teams
Zimbabwe
O. Chingawo, N. Majika, L. Masase, R. Mutyavaviri, E. Chibanda, T. Mandaza, N. Ndlovu, T. Mairosi, M. Nyaumwe (E. Msipa 63rd minute), E. Jeke, R. Neshamba.
Angola
R. Joao, I. Gonclavoes, Y. Antonio, V. Domingos, V. Mucondo(B. Miguel 46th minute), L. Lubano, M. Destino, M. Roberto (I. David 30minute), J. Gaspar, C. Quimuanga, C. Cussuma.