The team, which has been out of international action for almost a decade, fell to another African giant Egypt 5-0 on Friday night albeit putting up a good show while South Africa walloped Morocco 18-0 on the same day.
Home advantage and the euphoric crowd of Bulawayo hockey enthusiasts that started gathering in the twilight could not help Zimbabwe as they succumbed to the Egypt.
Zimbabwe conceded four goals in the first half before holding on steadfastly in the second half where they only conceded a single goal. The Egyptians now trail South Africa on the log standings after the latter were in a no-nonsense mood sending Morocco packing with an 18-0 drubbing.
Zimbabwe coach Birket however is confident that the team will perform well. It remains to be seen whether Zimbabwe are going to withstand the heat of the marauding South Africans.
“Our guys are ready and we want to get on. We just played one of the powerhouses in Africa, but we are looking forward to the challenges. It is going to be a difficult game,” South African coach Gregg Clark was impressed by the win over Morocco and said it has been a while since they have been on the international scene as well.
Clark said they were looking forward to win the tournament and from the way they played, they are the favourites for the trip to London for next year’s Olympics.
The man to watch in the South African team will be Justin Reid-Ross who scored six goals against Morocco. Zimbabwe, Egypt, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya and Morocco have been pooled into one group after Uganda pulled out last minute.
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Kenya and Ghana played an exciting 2-2 draw on Friday and the former meets Egypt this afternoon while the latter brace for wounded Morocco.
