Young Warriors are confident of completing the job when they face Mauritius in the second leg of their Africa Cup of Nations Under-23 qualifier at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex on Tuesday.
The Young Warriors carry a 2-0 advantage from the first leg at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, where goals from David Chigwada and Nisbert Muzenda gave Zimbabwe a comfortable lead in the two legged tie.
Goalkeeper Tatenda Chikowero believes the team can reproduce that performance in Mauritius, despite the change in conditions and surroundings.
Reflecting on the first meeting between the two sides, Chikowero said Zimbabwe had already shown that Mauritius could be beaten and was determined to repeat the feat.
“We played the last two times in Zimbabwe against Mauritius. It was a little bit cold, but it was fair because we managed to win 2-0 against them. We are going to do the same thing.”
Chikowero said the squad had continued preparing seriously for the return leg and was targeting another positive result
“We are preparing as much as we can. We are looking to launch, of course, and we can pledge to get three points. I think we will manage to test them.”
The goalkeeper also said the Young Warriors had adapted well to their new surroundings, with the players growing closer as they spent more time together in camp.
“For me, the atmosphere is good and all of us are adapting to it since it’s a new country to all of us. I think now we are adapting to it.”
Related Stories
Chikowero added that the unity within the squad could prove important as Zimbabwe look to protect their advantage.
“We’ve been together and we’re just talking about how we know each other. It seems like everyone knows each other well, so I think it’s good for all of us.”
Midfielder Seth Chingwaru was equally encouraged by the performance in Harare and believes the first leg victory has strengthened the team’s belief.
“Our previous game was very good. It was quite dominant. I thought the team played well. I think it was quite a statement win and we’re hoping to do the same again on Tuesday.”
Chingwaru said the time spent together in camp had helped create a united group ahead of the decisive encounter.
“We’ve been in this camp since the 21st, so we’ve all got to know each other quite well. Some of us knew each other beforehand anyway, so I think we’re quite a good group, quite united.”
The midfielder believes the first leg victory has brought the players even closer, but he is conscious that the tie is not yet over.
“It helped with the win in the first leg to bring us even more together. We’re just all pretty excited.”
Despite Zimbabwe’s two goal cushion, Chingwaru insists the Young Warriors are not taking anything for granted.
“Me personally, I’m pretty excited. It’s not done yet, so still have another 90 minutes of football to play and hopefully we can get over the line.”
Leave Comments