Botswana 0-0 Zimbabwe

A HASTILY assembled squad of home-based Warriors players fought gallantly to hold Botswana's Zebras to a frustrating 0-0 draw in an international friendly match in Gaborone on Saturday.

The Warriors travelled to Botswana with a severely weakened squad after foreign-based players who had been called up by coach Norman Mapeza withdrew from the squad.

Most could not play because the match was not on the FIFA calendar for international friendly matches forcing the coaches to stick with home-based players.

Motor Action forward Masimba Mambare who received his call-up to national duty for the first time responded with a good performance in attack where he partnered Cuthbert Malajila.

Dynamos striker, Rodrick Mutuma, who also made his debut for the national team, did not disappoint either, coming up with some good runs after he was introduced late in the second half.

But Daniel Vheremu and his troops had goalkeeper Washington Arubi to thank after he made two good saves from Botswana's deadly attack led by captain, Joel Mugorosi in the dying moments of the match.

As Botswana attacked relentlessly the Warriors rearguard stood resolute and by the time referee, Joshua Bondo, blew to end the match, the Zebras were a clearly dejected lot.

It was Botswana's last preparatory match ahead of their debut African Cup of Nations finals which start on January 21 in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

But if their performance against a make shift Warriors is anything to by- the Zebras who shocked watchers of the African game when they became the first team to qualify for the continental show piece could also be the first to leave tournament.