Mighty Warriors raring to go

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
MIGHTY Warriors are aiming for a double over Tanzania tomorrow at Rufaro and a victory in front of their home crowd would make their journey into the next round of the Africa Women Cup of Nations even sweeter.

Going into this match at the back of a 2-1 win over the East Africans, the Mighty Warriors are at an advantage and would need to execute coach Shadreck Mlauzi’s battle plan well and make it for the second and final round of the qualifiers.

The game kicks off at 3pm.

Mlauzi said they know what to expect from their opponents and are ready for the challenge.

“We still have a long way to go. We still have got another 90 minutes to seal this tie. So we are up against a good side, technically gifted, a side that pre-dominantly plays counter attacking. So we are fully aware of the threat they possess, so we have planned for that.

“We might as well say the girls are looking very sharp and we are looking forward to the game on Sunday,” said Mlauzi.

Mlauzi named his final team yesterday with a few changes from the side that went to Tanzania.

Talent Mandaza, who missed the first leg, comes in for injured midfielder Rejoice Kapfumvuti.

Seasoned striker Kudakwashe Bhasopo and Greater Bhande made it into the team while Viola Ndlovu and Samukelisiwe Zulu were dropped.

“We have a strong team, as always we have capable replacements even though at times we would want her (Kapfumvuti) to be part of the team.

“But we have capable replacements in the likes of Talent, now she is coming to the team. She was not in the first tie . . . so we always have good players,” added Mlauzi.

Mighty Warriors goalkeeper Chido Dzingirai said they are looking forward to continue from where they left.

“We must play our normal game, we should not underrate them because we won the away match. We have to maintain that performance and continue from where we left because we have not yet completed the job because 2-1, we are not yet safe.

“We are working hard and we believe we will qualify for the Nations Cup. I will play to my level best on Sunday,” said Dzingirai.

Vice captain Nobuhle Majika shared the same sentiments with Dzingirai as she said they have to take the game seriously.

“We are expecting to win. We know Tanzania is a strong team, we should not underrate them, they have good players and they have improved in terms of their play.

“We have to take this game seriously.“However, we have an advantage because we are at home, we have our fans to rally behind us, so we are promising a win on Sunday,” said Majika.

Tanzania were expected in the country early this morning.

They need at least a 2-0 win over Zimbabwe to progress to the next stage. According to reports coming from Tanzania, Twiga Stars coach, Nasra Juma, is convinced they can reverse the score and go through although she admitted they face a tall order against the Mighty Warriors.

“It is true that the odds are heavily stacked against us, but we have what it takes to reverse the score at their own backyard and progress to next stage,” Juma, was quoted by Tanzanian newspaper, The Citizen.

The winner from tomorrow’s match will take on either Zambia or Namibia in the last qualifying round.

Cameroon will host the main event from November 19 to December 3.

They will be joined by seven countries from these qualifiers.

ZIFA have pegged the gate charges for the game at $5 for the VVIP section and $3 for the upper grand stand.

The rest of the ground will pay a $1.

Final Team

Chido Dzingirai, Lindiwe Magwede, Eunice Chibanda, Sheila Makoto, Nobuhle Majika, Lynett Mutokuto, Daisy Kaitano, Emmaculate Msipa, Greater Bhande, Mavis Chirandu, Felistas Muzongondi, Rudo Neshamba, Nobukhosi Ncube, Patience Mujuru, Talent Mandaza, Erina Jeke, Kudakwashe Bhasopo, Marjory Nyaumwe.

Tanzania Delegation

Fatuma Omary, Stumai Abdallah, Maimuna Khamis, Fatuma Issa, Anastazia Katunzi, Donisia Minja, Mwaipaja Happyness, Wema Richard, Amina Bilal, Asha Rashid, Mwanahamis Omary, Julius Belina, Fatuma Bashiri, Fatuma Khatib, Mwajuma Abdallah, Amina Ramadhani, Fatuma Mustafapha, Neema Kiniga.

Officials: Amina Karuma (head of delegation), Nasra Juma (head coach), Msaidizie Elyutery Muholery (coach), Edina Lema (assistant coach), Anange Lwila (team doctor), Esther Chaburuma (kit), Furaha Francis (team manager).

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