Mubaiwa rescues Young Warriors

Mubaiwa rescues Young Warriors

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By Nkanyiso Moyo

Zimbabwe.....1
Cameroon.....1

ZIMBABWE'S national Under 23 soccer team was held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Cameroon in a 2008 Olympics second round, first leg qualifying match at Harare's Rufaro Stadium Wednesday.

There were clashes between the police and fans before the start of the match as fans tried to force their way into the stadium, apparently miffed at the slow process of getting tickets.

After Cameroon snatched the lead on the half hour, the Young Warriors fought back and earned an equaliser through Peter Mubaiwa as the final whistle approached.

After early goal opportunities for the Young Warriors, Christian Bekamenga's shot stung Washington Arubi's gloves after 29 minutes.

The Highlanders shot stopper could only parry the ball back into play and watched in agony as Bekamenga followed up to put the visitors ahead.

Harare United's Peter Mubaiwa came close just before half time with a well struck shot which fizzed past the goal, via the upright.

After the restart, former Dynamos striker Evans Gwekwerere shimmered with menace, and watched as two fine efforts were tipped over by Patrick Tignyemb.

With the locals seemingly chasing a lost cause against a technically superior opposition, and a dream of reaching the Olympics dead in the sand, Mubaiwa lifted hopes with a stunning header 15 minutes from the end.

Gwekwerere flighted a cross into the box, and with a little improvisation, Mubaiwa dived low to head it home. The goal would be his last meaningful contribution as he was soon replaced by his TWIN brother, Patrick, after picking up an injury.

If everything was that perfect!

Zimbabwe now need to score in Yaonde in the return leg to stay in the competition.

ZIMBABWE
W. Arubi, Z. Ngodzo, C. Nhamoinesu, W. Mapfumo, G. Moyo, O. Bhasera, Z. Jambo, Peter Mubaiwa (Patrick Mubaiwa 82th), O. Tarumbwa (K. Nkhata 54th), E. Gwekwerere, A. Sadiki