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NewsDay

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Mighty Warriors seek revenge, passage

Sport
THE Mighty Warriors would be looking for revenge and a place in the 2016 Rio Olympics second round when they host Zambia in the first round second leg match at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow.

THE Mighty Warriors would be looking for revenge and a place in the 2016 Rio Olympics second round when they host Zambia in the first round second leg match at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow.

BY HENRY MHARA

The Rosemary Mugadza-coached side lost the first leg 2-1 away in Lusaka last week and now have to overturn the deficit to progress to the next stage where Ivory Coast are possible opponents.

First half goals from Hellen Mubanga and the controversial Barbara Banda left the Mighty Warriors on the edge, but the away goal they scored through Rudo Neshamba gives them hope.

Last week’s defeat was the last thing the Mighty Warriors had hoped for after they were denied a place at the 9th African Women’s Championship finals last October by the same opponents.

And so, this match presents the local ladies with yet another opportunity to revenge, this time in the journey for a place at next year’s Olympics.

Reflecting on last week’s defeat in particular, Mighty Warriors vice-captain Chido Dzingirai admitted that her team made a lot of mistakes which they were made to pay for dearly, but said they had rectified everything.

Two of those mistakes were goalkeeping errors by Process Chatsamwa which both resulted in goals. Chatsamwa, who was making her debut was substituted just after 24 minutes and replaced by first choice keeper Dzingirai.

“We made mistakes in Zambia and we would want to correct them,” said Dzingirai yesterday.

“Zambia is a good side, but they are beatable. We need to improve on all the departments if we are to win on Sunday. We didn’t play badly as such, we dominated possession and created better opportunities than them in their own backyard and I know we can play even better especially here at home,” she added.

The Mighty Warriors need at least a 1-0 or any two goal margin victory to progress to the next round while a 2-1 win will force the match into a penalty shoot-out.

Zambia were expected in the country yesterday evening, and they will again look to powerful Banda to provide the bite upfront.

Mighty Warriors’ probable line-up: C Dzingirai, P Mujuru, N Majika, T Mandaza, S Makoto, E Msipa, M Nyaumwe, M Chirandu, S Zulu, E Chibanda, R Neshamba.