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Eddie Chikamhi-Senior Sports Reporter

The Dynamos duo of Emmanuel Jalai and Martin Mapisa is keen to raise the spirits of its Warriors teammates, although odds are stacked heavily against the youthful Zimbabwe side in this evening’s CHAN qualifying match against Eswatini.

The Warriors will face Eswatini in the second leg of the preliminary round qualifier at Mbombela Stadium in South Africa today, looking to summon all their energies to overturn a 0-3 deficit they suffered in the first leg.

Jalai and Mapisa were called up to reinforce the squad following an underwhelming performance by Takesure Chiragwi’s side in the first leg which Zimbabwe hosted in Botswana last Sunday.

Both Zimbabwe and Eswatini do not have CAF approved stadiums for international matches. Jalai, who was part of the AFCON squad that claimed back-to-back wins over Namibia recently, was in high spirits when he joined the CHAN squad in Mombela yesterday.

“I am always happy; I am always grateful to be among the boys and I am looking forward to a better result tomorrow (today).

“We don’t have to concede and we hope to get an early goal so that we unsettle them because we need to score at least three goals. But we will take every minute as it comes. We will give it our all until the last minute,” said Jalai.

CHAN is reserved for players who play in the home leagues and Zimbabwe opted to blend under-20, under-23 and a few senior players for the two-legged match against Eswatini. 

Head coach Michael Nees said it was part of their plans towards development. But after the side got outplayed by Zdravko Logarusic’s Eswatini, Jalai and Mapisa had to be called in to stabilise the back line.

Jalai replaced Thubelihle Jubani of Manica Diamonds while Mapisa came in the place of injured goalkeeper Donovan Bernard.

But it will not be easy to overturn a 0-3 deficit in the remaining 90 minutes. Eswatini, who use virtually the same team for all competitions including the World Cup and AFCON qualifiers, will not be pushovers.

Mapisa however said the Warriors should not throw in the towel.

“I think we have to push extra hard so that we can try by all means to get the result and then we can get to the next round.

“I think we are able to do it. The team needs support and encouragement so that we can go past this hurdle.”

Zimbabwe have a largely inexperienced squad compriring mostly players that have received their first national team calls. They have in their ranks unheralded names such as Allan Chapinduka (TelOne FC), Anotidaishe Gwatidzo (Yadah FC), Zibusiso Ruguchu (Herentals), Blessing Kagudu (Herentals), Chris Mukumbira (Bikita Minerals), Blessed Ndereki (Yadah FC), Mthokozisi Msebe (Simba Bhora) and McKinnon Mushore (Highlanders) in line for selections.

Coach Takesure Chiragwi also has at his disposal Kwekwe United’s Tinashe Mashaireni, Denzel Mapuwa (GreenFuel), Enock Moyo (Bikita Minerals), Junior Bunjira (CAPS United), Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (FC Platinum), Tinashe Mavhudzi (Chegutu Pirates), Prince Ndlovu (Highlanders) and Ashwin Karengesha (ZPC Kariba).

Captain Godknows Murwira is expected to provide leadership on the pitch, with the support of other experienced players such as Obriel Chirinda, Brian Banda, Jalai and Mapisa.

The winner between Zimbabwe and Eswatini will face Madagascar in the second round qualifier between December 20-22 and December 27-29 for a spot in next year’s CHAN finals.