INJURED Warriors pair of goalkeeper Tapiwa Kapini and Hwange forward Rodwell Chinyengetere are set to be in Angola to boost their teammates morale as they line up for the do-or-die 2013 African Cup of Nations second leg qualifier against the hosts on Sunday. Report by Tawanda Tafirenyika Sports Correspondent
Kapini — who plays for South African side AmaZulu — is the captain of the Warriors, but will not play in the match against Angola after he was sidelined due to injury.
Warriors coach Rahman Gumbo said yesterday Esrom Nyandoro, who is the vice-captain of the team, would be handed the armband to lead the team for the decisive encounter.
The Warriors coach, however, said although Kapini and Chinyengetere would not be part of the squad to face Angola, his technical team could decide to bring them on the final day of the match to give support to the team.
“He (Kapini) is a key member of the team and remains the captain of the team.
“Esrom will take over the leadership of the team in his absence. But we might decide to bring him (Kapini) on the final day of the match to support the team. It’s the same with Rodwell. We might bring them on the final day of the match,” said Gumbo.
Kapini, who is battling an ankle injury, played a part in the Warriors’ 3-1 victory over 2006 World Cup finalists Angola in the first leg at Rufaro Stadium before his substitution after he got injured.
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Chinyengetere, who played a key role in the last qualifiers with crucial assists, suffered a horrific injury last month after sustaining a double fracture on his shin following a collision with Monomotapa goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi.
Zimbabwe carries a 3-1 lead from the first leg and are within spitting distance to qualify for the finals to be held in South Africa next January. Kenyan referees for Luanda match
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) referees committee has replaced Madagascar referees Nampiandraza Hamada and first assistant Razafitsatamy Alberto with Kenyan referees for the sink-or-swim match on Sunday.
The Caf referees committee, in a letter to the Zimbabwe Football Association and the Angola Football Federation on Monday, cited technical reasons for their decision to replace the referees who had been assigned to handle the match.
The two Madagascar referees officiated in the first leg encounter at Rufaro on September 9.
Kenyan referee Kirwa Sylvester, first assistant Waimalwa Elias and Keirini Peter (second assistant) and Osano Moses (reserve referee), John Muinjo from Namibia (match commissioner) will call the shots in Angola.
