Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
NOT again!
For the umpteenth time Warriors fans and the nation at large have been compelled to turn to the calculator with hopes of a last day, last second breakthrough in a major tournament.
Zimbabwe has previously qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations finals though chance.
In their present campaign in which Egypt have already pulled themselves out of the fire by qualifying smoothly with two wins from as many matches in the on-going Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, Zimbabweans have been forced to clutch on to calculators as the fate of the team’s campaign hinges on probabilities after a loss and a draw in the opening matches.
Bruised South Africa, who fell to Egypt on Saturday, have amassed three after beating Angola 2-1. Mohammed Salah’s penalty was the difference as Bafana Bafana went down to 10-man Egypt.
Angola played a one all draw against the Marian Marinica mentored Zimbabwe and the two teams are tied on one point each.
In that regard, second placed Bafana Bafana will today need a draw or a win against Zimbabwe to qualify to the round of 16.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe are eager to win today and make history for themselves as they have never gone beyond the first round of the tournament.
Between the next round lies the Limpopo Derby against South Africa.
Sadly, all both teams will want is maximum points if they are to proceed to the next round and bet on Egypt thumping Angola.
The explosive Group B tie will be played at Morocco’s Stade de Marrakech.
Angola need to get the better of Egypt and hope South Africa and Zimbabwe draw, depending on the number of goals scored or not scored in both matches.
Ex-Warriors and Highlanders head coach Mandla” Lulu” Mpofu, who is fresh from a coaching stint in Botswana and is now with Simba Bhora, emphasised on the need for the Warriors to be clinical in-front of goal
“I think they showed character in the two games they have played. They just need to improve on their concentration levels and to be clinical in front of goal,” said Mpofu.
He added: “I was happy to see experienced players blend well with their youthful teammates. There is that unity of purpose and in that regard all things are possible we can beat South Africa because there are invisible.”
The Warriors have seasoned Knowledge Musona, speedy Prince Dube, towering Teenage Hadebe, captain Marvelous Nakamba, veteran goalminder Washington Arubi, gritty Gerald Takwara and roving Divine Lunga among others to bank on.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe will need to be wary of the fact that Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has a squad which includes players from prominent local clubs like Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, as well as several players based abroad.
These include Ronwen Williams Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates),Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England) and Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq, Saudi Arabia)
So it will all about keeping eyes on the ball, match Bafana Bafana pound for pound as we say Go Warriors Go!
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