Chipolopolo vow to finish off Young Warriors

Sport
BY ALBERT MARUFU THE Zambia Under-23 side has vowed that it is still game on despite being one foot into the grave going into the return leg of the 10th All Africa Games preliminary round qualifier set for Rufaro this afternoon.

Mozambique will host the finals of the All Africa games later this year.

 

Zambia go into the match having to overturn a 2-3 deficit inflicted upon them by the Young Warriors in Lusaka two weeks ago.Simba Sithole’s brace and a solitary strike from Denver Mukamba left the Zambians with a tall order despite a late siege that saw them  score two goals through Kangwa Chileshe captain Fwawo Tembo.

Zambia team manager Jeff Chipilingu did not mince his words declaring war on the Young Warriors.

“Matches between Zimbabwe and Zambia are derby matches and derby matches are always close. We came here for a positive result. They came to Zambia and came back with a victory so I am sure we can also do the same,” he said.

Chipilingu said the Zambians are watching closely allegations of using over-aged players by their Zimbabwean counterparts.

“We are watching closely what is going on, but from the technical side of things we will just aim to qualify on Sunday (today) after a victory over Zimbabwe. If the Zimbabweans use over-aged players, then it is unfortunate as that is not good for the development of regional football,” he said.

The Friday Phiri-coached Young Warriors will be looking at the exciting Highlanders want-out midfielder Joel Ngodzo, Rahman Kutsanzira and Archford Gutu.

Devon Chafa, Denver Mukamba and South Africa-based Matthew Rusike can also prove a handful for the Zambians.

George Chigova is expected to cover the goal. Qadr Amini, Lincoln Zvasiya and Blessing Sande are expected to marshal the defense.

The winner between Zimbabwe and Zambia will proceed to the first round where they are set to meet the winner between Swaziland and Botswana in April.

 

Young warriors squad

Goalkeepers: George Chikova, Ariel Sibanda

Defenders: Passmore Bernard, Lincoln Zvasiya, Qadr Amini, Steven Matsangaise, Blessing Sande

Midfielders: Joel Ngodzo, Rahman Kutsanzira, Timire Mamvura, Charles Mukanhairi, Tapiwa Mangezi, Archieford Gutu, Devon Chafa

Strikers: Matthew Rusike, Simba Sithole, Marlven Dumbura, Denver Mukamba