Young Mighty Warriors cruised to the second round of the Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup after walloping Mozambique 3-0 at the 42 000-seater National Sports Stadium in Zimpepo, Mozambique, on Saturday night.
The Langton Giwa-coached side won the encounter 7-0 on aggregate after their 4-0 win in the first leg at Rufaro Stadium two weeks ago.
Mighty Warriors bustling striker Rutendo Makore netted a hat-trick in the 50th, 71st and 75th minutes to make sure Zimbabwe book a place in the second round where they will meet the Falconets of Nigeria.
The match failed to kick-off at 1500hrs as expected because Angolan referees who were supposed to officiate failed to pitch up. Caf had to make last-minute arrangements, calling in alternatives from South Africa and Swaziland to replace the Angolans, who said they were never informed of the match. The referees only arrived in Maputo at around 1800hrs and the match finally kicked off at 2000hrs.
The match had to be moved from Liga Muçulmana Stadium in Maputo, to Zimpepo, some 10km outside the capital because the initial match venue had no floodlights. The change of match venue, kick-off time and match officials did not dampen the spirit of the visiting team who were in control of much of the match.
Even the rain that poured for the whole match could not stop the visibly confident Young Mighty Warriors team from getting the result they wanted. Giwa said he was impressed with his team’s performance.
“The team played well and according to instructions. It was a difficult pitch because of the rain and it affected our passing play because the ball was not moving fast. But we improved in the second half and the goals eventually came. I’m very impressed with the girls, I’m now looking forward to the next round,” said the Mufakose Queens coach.
