Zimpapers Logo

From Ishemunyoro Chingwere in CAPE TOWN, South Africa
ZIMBABWE strikers Simba Sithole and Charles Sibanda are convinced that the Warriors will today come right in front of goal when they clash with Group B leaders Uganda in the second round of fixtures of the on-going Chan tournament at Athlone this evening.The Warriors’ frontline has come under heavy criticism from analysts who contend that it is its inept in front of goal that denied Ian Gorowa’s men a famous victory in the tournament’s opening match against Morocco despite creating numerous chances and dominating exchanges in the second half on Sunday.

Having watched the Warriors squander numerous chances against Morocco, Uganda’s teenage forward Junior Yunus Sentamu, who was playing his first game outside the his East African country’s borders, put the Burkinabe to the sword with two well-taken goals that propelled coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic’s men to the summit of Group B standings.

The Warriors today need nothing short of a win to shoot to the top of Group B standings provided they win by a better margin compared to Morocco who take on Burkina Faso later on today.

A victory will mean that the Warriors take a giant step towards their first qualification for the knockout stages of this continental tournament and will not need to calculate any permutations but to simply avoid defeat against Burkina Faso in the last round of fixtures next Monday.

And speaking to The Herald after a workout at Langa training centre here yesterday, Warriors striker Simba Sithole of Dynamos, who himself was denied by the upright against Morocco in the second half, conceded they (the strikers) had not been up to the challenge in the first match but promised to redeem themselves today.

“The points we dropped against Morocco means that tomorrow (today’s match against Uganda) is a must-win for us.

“They (Uganda) have a very good side with quality players and their victory over Burkina Faso is clear testimony of their pedigree. They will also be looking to wrap it up against us but we will not let them have it their own way.

“There isn’t much that needs to be done differently except that we have to take the chances that will come our way and I can assure you we will definitely score goals,” said the former Mamelodi Sundowns forward.

The Warriors will, however, need to up their act if they are to break the Cranes’ resolve as the East Africans are good at taking the brickbats.

Moments after SC Vipers’ Sentamu had thrust them in the lead against Burkina Faso they were subjected to a barrage of attacks but goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan was always equal to the task frustrating the West Africans.

But Charles Sibanda, who is making his second appearance at the continental tournament and is expected to get a role today, reckons the Warriors are by far better placed to progress than they were in the previous tournament hosted by Sudan in 2011.

“Our present state inspires a lot of confidence in the team than was the case last time. This time around we are better prepared and the players are accustomed to each other.

“That is why we managed to get a point from our first game (against Morocco) when very few people really gave us a chance. What we only now need are goals to show for our good display and I am sure tomorrow (today) they will definitely come,” said the FC Platinum forward.

The Warriors, who had a big crowd of Zimbabweans resident here cheering them on in their first match against Morocco on Sunday, will get more support behind them from the Friends of the Warriors who were by yesterday on their way to the Mother City from Zimbabwe and are expected to arrive this afternoon in time for the game.