Young Warriors held, SA thrashed

YOUNG Warriors allowed Mozambique to snatch a late equaliser as the two teams settled for spoils in the opening Group A match of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games at Barbourfields yesterday.

In a match that never get going, it was Thembalethu Mthunzi who gave Zimbabwe a lead in the 34th minute capitalising on a spill by Mozambique goalkeeper Philip Saimone Macuiane from a Learnmore Bvochora free kick.

However, the hosts’ goalkeeper conspired to give the visitors an equaliser right at the death when he strayed into the pitch to clear a ball, but was beaten to it by striker Hermenigildo Mario Capena who produced a delicate chip into an empty net.

Mozambique finished the match with 10 men after Jose Borges Costa was redcarded for a second bookable offence in optional time.

Costa was initially cautioned as early as the 11th minute for deliberate handling of the ball and shown another yellow for foul play late in the match. The Mozambicans’ first attempt at goal was an off target effort by Capena as early as the fourth minute.

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A wasteful Mthunzi could have scored at least three goals in the first half, but he fluffed on numerous occasions, first wasting a Bvochora pass in the 29th minute.

He went close once again on the stroke of half time, failing to connect a cross from the left with only Macuiane to beat. Zimbabwe also had another chance in the 9th minute, but Denzel Khumalo hit the side net after he was set up by Mthunzi.

Zimbabwe dominated the first half with Mozambique relying much on counter attacks yielding no results.

The second half was devoid of any goalmouth action save for a chance for Mozambique when three of their players were ruled offside just before the final whistle.

Capena then equalised for Mozambique, against the Young Warriors side who looked out of depth.

Zimbabwe’s next fixture is against South Africa tomorrow.

But the Young Warriors would fancy their chances against a South Africa team who were humbled 6-1 by Zambia in a Group B match at Luveve Stadium yesterday. Zambia had raced to a four nil lead in the first 25 minutes through a hat trick by Patson Daka in the fifth, seventh and 16th minutes while the fourth appeared to be an own goal by South African defender Tsepiso Mahlangu.

The dominant Zambians were five up at halftime following a long range shot in the 40th minute by Harrison Musonda before Patrick Ngoma completed the rout in the second half.

South Africa pulled one late in the match, Felix Noge converting from the penalty spot, but the goal proved nothing but a face saver.

Jonathan Daka was the guilty part in the awarding of the penalty and was shown a red card for his troubles by local referee Brighton Chimene.

Zambian coach Hector Sizakwe confirmed after the match that his country had brought an Under 20 side while South Africa are believed to have come with Under 17s .

In today’s other Group A match, Angola face Malawi.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe netball team begin their quest for gold at the Games when they take on Swaziland this morning.

Coached by Ropafadzo Mutsauki and Simbarashe Mlambo the young netballers will carry the country’s medal hopes.

Zimbabwe will be represented by Junior Ncube, Sthembile Chitiva, Felistus Kwangwa, Tanyaradzwa Sharon Bwanali, Sicinile Sanele Ncube, Fellistus Mercy Mukwadi, Confidence Chido Chiwenga, Nyasha Kakono, Taslima Mbimba, Nomagugu Makhalima, Monalisa Chigora and Patricia Mauladi.

The netball team has had enough preparation having played a number of competitions which include the Stella Tea Championships which were held in Kariba in August.

Action continues tomorrow when Zimbabwe takes on Botswana, while Namibia who received a first round bye, faces Swaziland. Teams: Young Warriors: S Ngwerume, F Rukunda (J Munzira 77th minute), M Chodeva, L Muyambo, T Kadyaridzire, D Khumalo, L Lunga, B Sibanda, L Bvochora (A Chivandire 65th minute), T Zidoro, T Mthunzi (K Shangiwa 70th minute) Mozambique: D Junior, Y Ribeiro, J Cumbane, M Junior (S Inguana 55th minute), A Santos, S Mucuian, H Capena, J Cossa, N Ernesto (M Salimo 79th minute), R Milambo (A Manhica 46th minute), P Macuiane