Zimpapers Logo

CELEBRATION TIME . . . The Young Warriors salute their fans after winning the international friendly against Swaziland at Somhlolo yesterday

Noel Munzabwa in LOBAMBA, Swaziland
Swaziland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Zim Under-23 . . . . . . . . . (0)2
ZIMBABWE’S Young Warriors beat the senior Swaziland national football team in a friendly at the Somhlolo Stadium in Lobamba last night after turning on the show in the second half before a virtually empty Somhlolo Stadium.

After a goalless first half, against the senior Swazi side, the Young warriors struck early in the second half, in quick succession, to win their first match since ZIFA rolled out a programme to play a number of friendly matches as part of an exercise to build a Warriors side that will compete in the 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers.

ZIFA want the Young Warriors to have the majority of players who will play in the senior national team when the 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers get underway.

CAPS United’s Charles Mukanhairi, who used to ply his trade here, fired the Young Warriors ahead in the 57th minute.

Two minutes later, FC Platinum midfielder, Wisdom Mutasa, who has been dominating headlines in a Swazi media charmed that the son of former Green Mamba coach, Lloyd, was in their country representing his nation, doubled the Young Warriors lead.

And there was no comeback for the hosts who, like the Warriors, were not involved in the 2015 Nations Cup group stage qualifiers.

Young Warriors stand-in coach, Saul Chaminuka, declared that “the football future is here,” after seeing his fresh-faced footballers triumphing.

After a strong start, the Young Warriors were almost caught on the counter in seventh minute with Tony Tsabedze stealing space to fire a shot but ‘keeper Benard Donovan had it all covered.

Five minutes later, Mutasa broke loose, but his advance was halted in the box, but he couldn’t earn the soft penalty he was looking for.

Mcolisi Lukhele was allowed room but then could not pull the trigger in front of Donovan with Liberty Chakoroma making sure that danger was averted.

Nqobizitha Masuku almost punished Swazi, but shot wide of goal in 40th minute.

The second half got underway with Sihlangu Semnikati a more creative lot on the park, pinning the Young Warriors into their defensive half.

Chaminuka immediately countered by bringing on Mukanhairi who changed the attacking dimension.

Immediately, the Young Warriors went on the offensive.

Masuku pushed the ball into the box and, with the Swazi defence at sea, Mukanhairi beat Nhlanhla Gwebu for the opener in 57th minute.

With Swaziland still shocked, Masuku found Mutasa who obliged with the second two minutes later.

Young Warriors Team
Benard Donovan, Ronald Pfumbidzai (c), Liberty Chakoroma, Kelvin Moyo, Blessing Moyo, Nqobizitha Masuku, Emmanuel Mandiranga (Prichardt Mpelele 65th min), Wisdom Mutasa (Terrance Gonzo 82nd min), Carlos Rusere (Knox Mutizwa 79th min), Praise Tonha, Brian Muzvondiwa (Charles Mukanhairi 55th min)