By Jafferson Ndhlovu,
Zimbabwe national team’s quest to join Zambia and South Africa is Kings of the region got off of to an emphatic start. They beat neighbours Mozambique 4nil in the opening match of 2017 Cosafa tournament.
It’s been a free scoring run for the Warriors in the last two international matches scoring a total of 7 goal without conceding.
Thankfully to the Zifa administration who opted to bring the man who knows it all on how to negotiate the curves of Cosafa matches Sunday Chidzambwa. The last two editions for the Warriors who are considered a giants in the region together with record cup holders Zambia and South Africa, have been horrible. Being eliminated early on the preliminary stages.
But maybe the magic wand of one veteran coach Mofu as Chidzambwa is referred to sometimes will result in restoring that status.
A wasteful first half for Zimbabwe to a rather not so in the game Mozambique must been very disappointing for coach Chidzambwa.
Chances after chance was blown away by the likes of Leeroy Mavunga, Knox Mutizwa and Gerald Takwara. This must have given the Mambas of Mozambique hope as they finally broke off an incessant stretch of attack by Zimbabwe. Winning freekicks and corners in the process.
By the half hour mark Zimbabwe had recorded 9 shots at goal and only 3 where on target.
Two minutes before halftime, Captain Ovidy Karuru beat an offside trap to slot home from a rather difficult angle to make 1nil going into halftime.
Mavunga was again on the culprit list when he failed scored with only 19 year old Mozambican goalkeeper to beat.
Seychelles assistant referee was on the wrong side of decision making when he called for offside a Mutizwa goal but the replay clearly showed Mutizwa was on side. These are times when you call on the newly introduced Video Assistant Referee system to come early to this part of the world.
Man of the Match and Warriors captain Ovidy Karuru scored through a header from a corner kick to make 2-0 for Zimbabwe.
From then on there was no looking back and Mozambique did not really threaten Zimbabwe at all. But they should thank the young goal minder who made some fine saves.
A sublime freekick from Ocean Mushure in 78th minute made it 3-0 for Zimbabwe and practically ensured the Warriors were out for 3 points.
Not quite often does a player emerge from the lower leagues to wear a senior national team shirt. Unless that player has something special to offer. And requires the boldness of coach to do that. Sunday Chidzambwa is no stranger to such. A winner of the Cosafa tournament twice in his coaching career therefore it would take stronger again to question his ability in his team selection. Trusting his faith in the youngman from sHerentals FC, a division 1 side, the boy Blessing Majarira welcomed the gesture with aplomb. Coming in for Talent Chawapiwa, he scored the four goal in added time. A debut match for the team and a debut goal. The youngster could not ask for more
It’s a start that has eluded the Warriors in previos two editions. This should be enough to settle their nerves as they head into the next match.
