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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
MIGHTY Warriors coach Shadreck Mlauzi has been forced to drop chief striker Rudo Neshamba for their Africa Women Cup of Nations final qualifying round tie against Zambia next week due to a persistent knee injury.

The squad trooped into camp on Sunday with Mlauzi retaining the bulk of his players from the previous squad for the first leg scheduled for Wednesday at Rufaro.

Neshamba, whose goals powered the Mighty Warriors to a historic maiden appearance at the 2016 Olympic Games, has been struggling with a knee injury for some time and Mlauzi yesterday said the player will not be part of the team as her condition is getting worse.

“Rudo is not part of us this time, she has got an injury. It’s that knee injury again and this time it’s bad. The ligaments are sore, she has not gone under an examination to ascertain the extent of the damage, that’s why we are saying any well-wishers should come forward.

“It’s a blow because she is a regular scorer for us and she is a thorn in the flesh for the defenders. She is the ultimate model of a forward that we want in our set-up.

“We need people to understand us and come through especially in this particular time of need. If she undergoes surgery in time she might even play at the Olympics.

“Of course, we have good players in our team so hopefully they will fill up the gap,” said Mlauzi.

Neshamba could not last the distance during their return leg game against Tanzania in the first round at Rufaro more than a week ago because of that injury.

“We started training yesterday (Monday). We will service all aspects all the fundamentals of the game. We will also look at the mental aspect, tactical and technical aspects.

The return leg is slated for April 10 in Zambia.

The winner from this tie will proceed to the main tournament in Cameroon from November 19 to December 3.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Chido Dzingirai (Flame Lily), Lindiwe Magwede (Cyclone Stars), Manyara Mandara (Mwenezana), Amanda Banda (Chapungu).

Defenders: Nobuhle Majika (Inline Academy), Sheila Makoto (Blue Swallows), Eunice Chibanda, Lynett Mutokuto, Patience Mujuru, Rufaro Machingura (all Black Rhinos) Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri, Florence Maponga (Mufakose), Danai Bhobho (Mwenezana).

Midfielders: Emmaculate Msipa, Viola Ndlovu, Talent Mandaza, Daisy Kaitano (all Black Rhinos), Marjory Nyaumwe (Flame Lily), Greater Bhande (Cyclone Stars), Mavis Chirandu (Weerams), Bokani Sibanda (Hwange).

Strikers: Felistas Muzongondi (Mwenezana), Erina Jeke, Samkelisiwe Zulu, Berita Kabwe (Flame Lily), Kudakwashe Basopo (Black Rhinos), Sibonginkosi Nleya (Chapungu), Priviledge Mupeti (Inline).