Warriors win against Swaziland 2-1
THE Zimbabwe Warriors put up an assured performance away to Swaziland on Sunday winning 2-1 as they seek to qualify for the 2011 African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals.
Midfielder Ashley Rambanepasi, who had a good outing, found the net in the 16th minute as the Warriors took the game to their hosts in the first half.
However, a momentary lapse in concentration by the Warriors saw Swaziland drawing level immediately after the break and Zimbabwe quickly moved to regain the initiative after a rollicking by coaches Sunday Chidzamwa and his assistants Norman Mapeza Joey Antipas and Brenna Msiska.
Chidzambwa brought Cuthbert Malaija and the move paid off when the Dynamos striker powered home the winner in the 72nd minute.
The Warriors head coach said he was pleased with his charges’ performance but warned that they needed learn to maintain their concentration levels.
“I think the youngsters had a good game. We attacked very well, but I was not happy that we conceded a goal from the restart.
“I think they were still in the dressing room when Swaziland scored because you cannot allow people to move and score easily when we were all in our own half. These are the things we have to continue to learn to avoid,’’ Chidzambwa said.
Swaziland coach Ephraim Mashaba said inexperience had proved his side’s major undoing.
“I blame the defeat on lack of experience and the level of intelligence on the part of the players. At times we were huffing and puffing, but I think the boys are learning and they will improve.
“We had equal chances in the final moments to score and get an equaliser, but like I said the intelligence of the players made the difference especially when you compare Zimbabwe’s second goal where their player (Malajila) showed intelligence in running into space and knew when to pull the trigger,’’ he said.
The game was watched by a small crowed of 2000 fans with Zimbabweans resident in the country giving the Warriors vociferous backing.
Warriors team: E. Sibanda, G. Mapemba (Z. Ngodzo 67th minute), G. Karimupfumbi, M. Mwanjali, D. Veremu, E. Meleka, R. Mteki (A. Sadiki 74th minute), A. Rambanapasi, N. Mushekwi, R. Zhuwawo (C. Malajila 60th minute).
Posted by Sakhile Malaba
on March 15, 2010. Filed under Main Headline,Soccer,Sports.
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