CLEMENCE Matawu struck midway through the first half as Sunday Chidzambwa’s second dance with the Zimbabwe national soccer team got off to a good start.

Chidzambwa only had five days since his appointment 12 days previously to string together a team made up of players from Zimbabwe’s domestic league to play their South African counterparts in the first leg of the Africa Nations Championships in Pretoria.

The Warriors must beat South Africa in the return leg to book a place in the finals of the latest addition to continental football competitions to be hosted by Ivory Coast next year.

Matawu’s winner came just before the half hour after the Warriors won a corner from CAPS United defender David Kutyauripo’s surging run.

Zhaimo Jambo swung in the corner which was not dealt with by the Bafana Bafana defence. The ball fell awkwardly for Highlanders defender Gilbert Banda who took a swing at it but failed to get a perfect connection. Matawu took over and slammed the ball past Bafana shot stopper Wayne Sandilands, and Zimbabwe held on for a memorable win.

Zimbabwe threatened on 15 minutes when Cuthbert Malajila headed just wide from Jambo’s cross.

South Africa did get their openings but failed to convert their chances. In one such break, Simba Marumo skipped a challenge from Thomas Sweswe and with only the frame of Willard Manyatera between him and the goal, he blazed his shot over.