WARRIORS coach Sunday Chidzambga has described the match against the Democratic Republic of Congo as a decider in their bid for a place at the African Cup of Nations finals in January.
BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA
The Warriors coach said at least a draw would put them in the driving seat as they seek to earn a ticket to the finals for the second success time.
“I think the game is very important; for us it’s a decider. If we can pull up a good result in DRC, I think we would be on the verge of qualifying. Anything less than a good result means we have to fight hard in the second game, but it would be better for us to get a good result away from home and that would make life easier for us if we play them at home,” Chidzambga said.
He also revealed that he would employ a cautious approach and emphasised the importance of balancing attack and defence.
“First of all we have to be cautious, and at the same time, if we are to have a good result, we have to attack and defend. If we have ball possession, we have to attack, if we lose possession we have to defend well. We should come back all to the ball and defend.”
Asked on the impact of the withdrawal of South Africa-based Divine Lunga due to injury, Chidzambga said he had enough cover in Ronald Pfumbidzai.
He also said most of the central defenders at his disposal are also comfortable playing in the left back.
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“These things (injury) happen in football and I think we have enough cover for Divine Lunga. Remember, we have Ronald Pfumbidzai and also we have so many central defenders who are left-footed, so that’s enough cover for us. If a defender is left-footed he can easily play the left-back. We want to try and bring a good result for the nation,” he said.
With only 19 players having been called up, the Warriors coach is set to travel with 18 players with one goalkeeper between Bernard Donovan and Edmore Sibanda set to be sacrificed while first choice goalkeeper George Chigova who kept goal for the Warriors in their last match away to Congo Brazzaville is certain to set to be part of the team.
The Warriors welcome back Belgium-based midfielder Marvelous Nakamba and South Africa-based forward Ovidy Karuru who missed the trip to Congo Brazzaville owing to injuries. Nakamba and skipper Knowledge Musona did not take part in the morning training session at the National Sports Stadium yesterday as they only arrived late in the afternoon.
