ZIMBABWE . . . . . . . . . . . (0)3 LESOTHO . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(0)1
Roderick Mutuma’s brace as well as a Danny “Deco” Phiri strike edged the Warriors close to qualification to the CHAN finals after they recorded a convincing win against Lesotho in the first leg of the final qualifier at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
BY FORTUNE MBELE
It was Mutuma’s first goal for the Warriors and striker Knox Mutizwa was involved in all the three goals on his debut for the senior national team in a game that saw all four goals scored in the second half.
Zimbabwe took the lead just after the break after Mutizwa induced a foul inside the area for the referee to award the hosts a penalty kick.
Marshal Mudehwe rode over a tackle just after the centre line on the right before sending Mutizwa through inside the box, but he was felled by defender Tsoanelo Koetle and Tanzanian referee Wazir Sheshe Wazir.
Mutuma took responsibility and set the team on the way after he beat the goalkeeper.
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Mutizwa was once again fouled by Basia Makepa and from the resultant free-kick, Ocean Mushure sent in a cross in the 58th minute and goal mouth melee ensued before the forceful Mutuma pushed the ball across the goal line with his stomach to beat the visitors’ goalkeeper Mohau Kuenawe.
Mutuma was, however, liable for the visitors’ solitary goal when he was dispossesed inside his own half resulting in Tsepo Seturumane hitting the back of the nets after 62 minutes.
That goal brought discomfort to the Warriors before substitute Edmore Chirambadare combined to create a chance for Phiri who fired home from about 30 metres beating Kuenawe and that goal, triggered delirium among the fans that rallied the Warriors all the way.
Warriors’ coach Kalisto Pasuwa was happy with the result, but said Lesotho should not have been allowed to get an away goal.
“We started slowly, but in the second half we came good and penetrated them. I did not want them to have that goal. They are a good side. We will have to prepare well and we should fight in the second leg,” Pasuwa said.
His counterpart, Seephephe “Mochini” Matete said they were unlucky the Warriors got the third goal.
“We were unlucky they got the third goal. At home we are to attack a lot. The game is still open in the second leg. We still have a chance,” Matete said.
The Warriors wasted quite a number of chances in the first half with Likuena a composed side and in the 19th minute, Seturumane could have scored when he packed a shot which was safely collected by Warriors shot stopper Donovan Bernard.
Teams Zimbabwe: D Bernard, D Phiri, O Mushure, B Moyo, R Mutuma (B Muzondiwa 75’), K Mutizwa, B Kangwa (E Chirambadare 71’), M Mudehwe, S Makatuka, T Hadebe, T Kutinyu (T Chipunza 60’) Lesotho: M Kuenawe, T Koetle, T Mokhehle, B Makepa, M Mtobo, M Motolo, L Lekhanya (J Kamela 69’), R Mokhahlane, T Seturumane, P Tsosane, J Thabantso
