The Sunday News
Zimbabwe senior women team the Mighty Warriors’ assistant coach; Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda believes an away goal will be crucial if they are to make it past Zambia in the second leg second round qualifier in Lusaka this afternoon.
A draw or win will see Zimbabwe through to this year’s Africa Women Cup of Nations that would be played in Cameron between November and December.
Zimbabwe recorded a narrow 1-0 victory over their neighbours on Wednesday at Rufaro Stadium giving themselves an edge going into the second leg.
Kwinji 15 said they are expecting a tough game but getting an away goal is likely to demoralise the home side.
“We are expecting a tough game ahead of us; they are playing at home so they will try to score an early goal. We will try to get an early away goal, it will be good for us to control the game from the kick off,” she said before departure for Zambia on Firday.
“We are in the driving seat because we carry a lead into the tie and Zambia does not have an away goal, most importantly we need an away goal to kill the game.”
Coach Shadrreck Mlauzi dropped the pair of Mavis Chirandu and Greater Bhande opting for experienced pair of Rufaro Machingura and Eunice Chiabanda whom he hopes will be crucial in stopping the Zambians.
After their loss at Rufaro, Zambian coach, Albert Kachinga was of the opinion the game is still wide open and anything can happen in Lusaka.
“The qualifiers are not yet over, I believe we can still turnaround the result as there is 90 minutes to play,” he said.
The winner of the Zambezi Battle will book a place in the third round with their opponents only being known after a draw that would be held after the second round qualifiers.
Mighty Warriors squad in full:
Goalkeepers:
Chido Dzingirai (Flame Lily), Lindiwe Magwede (Cyclone Stars)
Defenders:
Nobuhle Majika (Inline Academy), Sheila Makoto (Blue Swallows), Eunice Chibanda (Black Rhinos), Lynett Mutokuto (Black Rhinos), Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri (Mufakose), Patience Mujuru (Black Rhinos), Nobukhosi Ncube (New Orleans)
Midfielders:
Emmaculate Msipa (Black Rhinos), Marjory Nyaumwe (Flame Lily) Rufaro Machingura (Black Rhinos), Talent Mandaza (Black Rhinos), Daisy Kaitano (Black Rhinos)
Strikers:
Felistas Muzongondi (Mwenezana), Erina Jeke (Flame Lily), Kudakwashe Basopo (Black Rhinos), Samkelisiwe Zulu (Flame Lily)
