FOOTBALL fans have expressed optimism that the Warriors will prevail over Angola in the crucial 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final qualifying round second leg encounter in Angola on Sunday.
REPORT BY SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA SPORTS REPORTER
The Warriors are carrying a 3-1 lead from the first leg which was played at Rufaro and will be making their third appearance in the African showcase if they qualify for the tournament to be hosted by South Africa next year.
NewsDay Sport took to the streets of Bulawayo yesterday to find out the views of football fans on the encounter.
Jabulani Sibanda, a fan from Nketa 8, said: “The chances for the national team to qualify are bright. It is very possible. But the coaches should not change the team. We need the team that played in the first leg. Knowledge Musona can then be introduced in the second half.”
Knowledge Musona missed the first leg, but is back in the team together with midfielder Tinashe Nengomasha.
Kaizer Chiefs duo of Lincoln Zvasiya and Kingston Nkhata, Al Hilal striker Edward Sadomba and Maritzburg United striker Cuthbert Malajila are also back in the team after they were cleared by the Zifa Ethics Committee investigating the Asiagate match-fixing scandal.
Another fan, Maduna Kunene from Pumula, said: “I am not happy with the team selection, but it will be a goalless draw. Our preparations for football matches are not good.”
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Charles Mafara from Nketa 8 said, “We are going to win the match and qualify, but we just have to rectify our defence. Esrom Nyandoro should pave way for Zvasiya. Nengomasha should be drafted back into the midfield. We need Musona and Sadomba upfront and Ariel Sibanda should be in between the posts,” he said. Tawanda Muchuchu from Mpopoma said Zimbabwe will qualify although the team needs changes.
“The team is fine, but the goalkeeper should be Sibanda. We need Nyandoro because he is a senior player, but he should be in the midfield with Nengomasha, in defence we need Carlington Nyadombo, Onismor Bhasera and Noel Kaseke. We also need Vusa Nyoni and Khama Billiat if we are to win. Upfront we can try Musona and Sadomba,” he said.
Henry Chigune from Lobengula West conceded that it is going to be a tough match.
“The match against Angola is very tricky the best result we can get is a 1-1 draw because we are playing away from home. We need Billiat, Musona, Nkhatha and Nyoni in the team,” he said.
Douglas Zulu from Mzilikazi said, “Zimbabwe will win, but the team which played in the first leg should not be changed,” he said.
A female fan Revai Zimi could only say Zimbabwe will win the match against Angola.
