ZIMBABWE………….. (1) 1 TANZANIA…………… (1) 1 (Zimbabwe win 3-2 on aggregate)
BY HENRY MHARA
The Mighty Warriors moved a step closer to qualifying for another major tournament when they drew against Tanzania in an African Women Championships first round second leg qualifier at Rufaro Stadium, a result that propelled them to the final round of the qualifiers.
Midfielder, Daizy Kaitano’s 11th minute goal for Zimbabwe cancelled out Dalsia Daniel’s fourth minute penalty.
It was not the prettiest performance by the hosts yesterday, as they looked overwhelmed by the occasion, but they did just enough to get a result, which will see them meet Zambia for a place at the finals to be played in Cameroon this November.
Coach Shadreck Mlauzi was not impressed by his team’s performance, but was relieved they got the job done.
“It was quite a difficult match, but we expected this. We knew Tanzania were going to come at us and try to make life difficult for us. But we played way below our best,” he said.
“We were not as cohesive as the way we would have wanted. We played a fantastic match away, so maybe our performance today had to do with playing in front of home supporters. The good thing is we managed to get the result we wanted. But for a team preparing for the Olympics, we expect better from the girls. We still have a lot of work to do, particularly on the players’ mindset.”
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Tanzania coach Nassra Juma Mohammed said: “The match was very good for both teams. My players tried their best to win the match, but Zimbabwe has a very good team. In fact, they won this tie when they beat us in Tanzania, so the better team has progressed forward. I want to congratulate them and wish them well when they meet Zambia. They still have a lot of work though, I was not impressed by their defence.”
Needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg, the away side had a perfect start to the match when they were awarded a penalty early on after defender Lynette Mutokuto handled inside the box. Daniel stepped up and hit the roof of the net to silence the home fans.
But the Zimbabwe senior women’s national team, on a mission to qualify for another major tournament after qualifying for the Rio Olympics, quickly hit back.
A cross by the impressive Emma Msipa was turned onto the upright by Mavis Chirandu and Kaitano was the quickest to respond and fired home the rebound.
At that point Tanzania needed to score three more to have a chance of qualifying, but it was Zimbabwe who almost increased their lead.
Msipa’s speculative shot was tipped over the bar before the midfielder rattled the under side of the bar with another effort, whose rebound Kaitano blasted over.
Another good chance went begging for Mlauzi side when Merjury Nyaumwe took aim at goal but her shot did not trouble the visitors goalkeeper, before substitute Erina Jeke, the scorer of the two in Tanzania, tried an audacious flick that travelled across the face of goal.
Zifa president, Philip Chiyangwa congratulated the Mighty Warriors and promised to reward them from the proceeds of the match. Teams: Zimbabwe: C Dzingirai, E Chibanda, S Makoto, N Majika, L Mutokuto (P Mujuru, 46′), D Kaitano, E Msipa, M Chirandu (E Jeke, 66′), M Nyaumwe, F Muzongondi, R Neshamba (K Bhasopo, 73’) Tanzania: B Julius, A Rashid, A Stumani, D Daniel, F Issa, A Anthony, H Henzron, F Bashiri, A Amina, Oma Shunia, F Mustafa (K Mamuna, 55’)
