Young Mighty Warriors coach Langton Giwa will not make many changes to the team that beat Mozambique as he seeks to wrap up his passage into second round of the Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The two neighbours lock horns at Liga Muculmana Stadium in Maputo, Mozambique this afternoon with the visitors heavily tipped to go through following their impressive 4-0 win at home two weeks ago.
Suspended Rufaro Machingura scored a brace in that match while other strikes from Elizabeth Chaparangana and Emmaculate Msipa made sure Zimbabwe will go into today’s match without any pressure.
Despite carrying what appears a healthy lead, Giwa yesterday announced his strongest possible squad for the match.
Giwa rested the bulk of the team that beat Mozambique, saying he is preparing his team for next round fixtures, where Nigeria lies in wait.
Mighty Warriors third-choice goalkeeper Portia Mukucha will guard the posts and will get cover from Danai Bhobho, Rhodah Jongoti, Eunice Chibanda and Faith Chasi.
Veteran Emmaculate Msipa is expected to do all the dirty work in midfield while a lot is expected from midfield partner Mavis “Madam Chair” Chirandu who was very lively in the first leg.
The experienced pair of Rudo Neshamba and Rutendo Makore will lead the attack as the Young Mighty Warriors will try to heap more misery on the Mozambique side that looks unlikely to trouble the visitors.
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Maggie Moyo will replace the ineligible Machingura in the first eleven. Machingura did not make the trip to Maputo after she was red-carded in the first leg.
The Mighty Warriors team was denied training facilities on Thursday morning, but captain Chibanda, who is a member of the senior national squad, said that “old trick” will not deter them from completing their mission.
“The game is going to be very tough. We saw some of their mistakes in the first leg so we want to capitalise on that. We have also corrected our own mistakes. It is very hot here, but we are now used to it and we are ready for the match as we want to beat them at their home,” she said.
Makore said they were gunning for victory as they wanted to please their sponsors, Marange Resources. “We want to promise our fans that we will win against Mozambique. We also want to show appreciation to our sponsors by getting more goals. We will work as a team so that we win the match,” said Makore. Hard-tackling defender Bhobho was also optimistic that they would prevail.
“We are looking forward to the game. It is very humid here, but we will work hard to make sure that we beat them,” she said.
The team was scheduled to have its final training session at the match venue yesterday afternoon. Young Mighty Warriors line-up P Mukucha, E Chibanda, F Chasi, D Bhobho, R Jongondi, E Msipa, E Chaparangana, R Neshamba, R Makore, M Moyo, M Chirandu
