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Bulawayo Bureau

Zimbabwe………………(0) 2

Malawi………………….(0) 1

ZIMBABWE’S Young Warriors turned on the power in the second half at Barbourfields yesterday to overcome a battling Malawi and secure a semi-final place at the on-going African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games.

After a goalless opening stanza in which they were guilty of missing numerous chances, often hurrying the opportunities that came their way, the Young Warriors eventually found their range late on in the second period to secure top spot in Group B.

The hosts had started the day in third place and under pressure to secure a win in order to secure one of the top two positions in Group B.

Backed by an enthusiastic crowd of about 4 000, who braved the afternoon rains in Bulawayo, the Young Warriors found their goals through a 76th minute penalty by diminutive forward Ishamel Munsaka before Thomas Kadyaridzire bundled home from close range in the first minute of time added on.

South African referee Thando Ndzandzeka had added four minutes of optional time and there was still time for Malawi to pull a goal back via a penalty by skipper Limbani Phiri to set up a tense finish to the game.

The goal was, however, not enough to save the Malawians from slipping from second to third place and out of the competition as Angola, who had been top at the start of the day, replaced the Malawians.

Zimbabwe will now face Group A runners-up Namibia, while favourites Zambia take on Angola in the other game, also scheduled for Luveve.

The third-place play-off for the losing semi-finalists will take place tomorrow, followed by the final of the competition later in the day.

With the Young Mighty Warriors having been mauled 5-0 by Botswana in a women’s mid-morning clash at Luveve, pressure was on the Young Warriors to make amends for football and it seemed to be a frustrating afternoon for them until the last quarter of the game when they got their breakthrough.

In thumping Zimbabwe, Botswana ensured they leapfrogged their opponents into second place and claimed the silver medal in the women’s football competition.