THE Warriors go into their final Group B match of the African Nations Championships (CHAN) against neighbours South Africa confident of picking up the three vital points needed to qualify for the quarter finals.
South Africa have already qualified for the last eight making Sunday evening’s clash at the Hilal Stadium in Khartou more important for Zimbabwe who need a straight win to make it through.
The Warriors have three points from two games after losing their opening tie to Niger before reviving their chances with a 1-0 dismissal of Ghana.
Ghana and Niger meet in the other group game in Medani.
Zimbabwe will however, be hoping that Ghana beat Niger who also have three points and could go through if they win and the runners-up sport was decided on the head-to-head criteria.
But acting head coach Madinda Ndlovu said he charges were concentrating on plying and winning their game.
"We need to work hard and get the win four ourselves. We have been playing well, we were just unfortunate against Niger, but as things stand now, there is no reason why we can’t win the match.
"The boys are raring to go and everybody is available for selection despite the few knocks here and there," the coach said.
Clive Kawinga and Charles Sibanda missed the second match, but have recovered, but Ndlovu is not likely to tamper with the team which gave him three points against Ghana.
Washington Arubi could therefore keep his place in goal behind a defence featuring Qadr Amin, Guthrie Zhokonyi, Nyasha Mukumbi and Gilbert Mapemba.
Joel Ngodzo, Archford Gutu, Brian Mapfumo, Erick Mudzingwa and Denver Mukamba could play in midfield with Norman Maroto coming in as the sole striker.
Meanwhile South Africa coach Simon Ngomane has paid tribute to his players for their seamless run into the quarter finals but warned them to guard against complacency in
their final group fixture.
“We are in a better position to top our group which will mean that we face Group A’s second positioned team which currently looks like Algeria. It is always good to avoid playing against the hosts early in the knockout stages,” he said.
“Another advantage for us as group leaders is going back to Medani, where we played our first two matches. It will be a familiar environment for us and it might work to our advantage.”