Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE Zimbabwe Under-17 national football team, popularly known as the Young Warriors, suffered a disappointing start to their TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations COSAFA Qualifiers campaign after a 1-0 defeat to Mozambique at Ngoni Stadium this Thursday.
Mozambique’s Chauson Nhabanga found the back of the net in the 8th minute, scoring the match’s only goal and handing the Black Mambas a crucial opening victory.
The Young Warriors, who are determined to break their over-a-decade drought without a championship title since their maiden win in 2007, will need to regroup after the setback.
In other Group A matches, Comoros thrashed Eswatini 3-nil, taking the lead in the group, while Mozambique’s win puts them in second place.
Zimbabwe’s next challenge will be against Eswatini on Saturday.
The tournament continues this Friday with Group B matches at Ngoni Stadium, featuring Madagascar taking on Malawi and Zambia locking horns with South Africa.
Group C matches will take place at the Heart Stadium, with Mauritius facing Lesotho and Angola up against Botswana.
12 nations are vying for a coveted spot in the continental finals, with the ultimate goal of being crowned African champions.
