Glory for Under 17s, Mighty Warriors

Glory for Under 17s, Mighty Warriors

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By Nkanyiso Moyo

ZIMBABWE’S success on the continental scene continued on Sunday when the national Under 17 soccer team beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties to claim the COSAFA Under-17 Cup in Windhoek, Namibia.

This followed last week’s Under 20 triumph in the same championships against the same country in Mpumalanga, Nelspruit.

To complete a good weekend, the Mighty Warriors -- the women’s national team -- beat Zambia 3-2 (6-3 on aggregate) to set up a date with South Africa in the next round of the Africa Youth Championships.

The Young Warriors were deadlocked 1-1 with the South Africans at the end of regulation time.

Zimbabwe suffered an early setback soon after the break as South Africa took the lead, but a sensational strike from Archieford Gutu with three minutes remaining sent the game into the dreaded lottery, which Zimbabwe won.

In Lusaka, Zambia, the Mighty Warriors progressed to the first round of the 2008 Equatorial Guinea African Championships after beating Zambia in the second leg at Nkoloma Stadium on Sunday.

Zimbabwe beat Zambia 3-1 at Gwanzura a fortnight ago.

Striker Marjory Nyaumwe carried the day for the visitors when she scored two quick goals and substitute Ntombiyelanga Ndlovu added the third with a delightful strike from 25 metres out.

The Mighty Warriors, coached by Moses Chunga, were technically superior and their tactical approach to the game was defined with Nyaumwe’s stooping header from a cross by strike partner Marilyn Magozore after four minutes.

The visitors dominated the match with quick play that seemingly bemused the Zambians who looked heavy on the ball and lacked cohesion.

Nyaumwe completed her brace after 10 minutes, again following a break on the right and pinpoint cross from Magozore. Magozore picked up a loose ball on the right, beat her marker and raced down the line before crossing for the onrushing Nyaumwe to finish with a diving header past a sprawling Yvonne Kaholo.

Nyaumwe's goals sandwiched Noria Sosala's left footer on eight minutes for the hosts. Zambia tried to crawl back into the game but Zimbabwe equally raised the bar for the first half to end leading 2-1.

Ntombiyelanga Ndlovu, introduced for an equally impressive Nokuthula Ndlovu, completed the victory with a delicate chip after spotting goalkeeper Kaholo off the line on 73 minutes.

The Mighty Warriors must be well prepared for the tough ties against South Africa.
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