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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
MIGHTY Warriors coach Rosemary Mugadza has hailed her charges for putting up a good fight that saw them winning two friendly matches against Lesotho over the weekend in Maseru. The Zimbabwe senior women’s soccer team routed Lesotho 5-1 in the first game on Friday and went on to win 6-1 in the second match on Sunday. They were using the matches as part of their preparations for the African Cup Nations qualifiers starting early next year.

They were also scheduled to play against Botswana, Swaziland and the hosts in a four-nation tournament.
But Botswana and Swaziland pulled out at the last minute.

Zimbabwe have been drawn against neighbours Botswana in the preliminary round of the qualifiers next February.
And if the Mighty Warriors progress, they will meet the winner between Zambia and Tanzania in the final qualifying round.

Mugadza said they were happy with what they saw in Lesotho.
“The two games, the girls played very well especially the first half of the first game but in the second half our match fitness was questioned.

“In the second game the level of fitness was better. Their skills and technical ability were above board, it’s not questionable, managing to score five goals in the first half and as the technical team we are happy,” said Mugadza.

The Mighty Warriors coach said they hope to play more friendly matches to keep the players active ahead of the qualifiers.
“As a national team we are looking forward to have more friendlies before the African Championship qualifiers.

“Match fitness you can only gain if you play week in, week out, so if one is not playing you cannot get that fitness and cannot last the whole 90 minutes of a match. We will do our best with the time that is left. We have the Unity Cup so, at least, we are going to regroup early in December for the Cup and take a short break for Christmas,” said Mugadza.