Story by Mthokozisi Dube
The Zimbabwe Warriors slumped to a disappointing two – nil defeat to the Crocodiles of Lesotho in a Group C FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa this Friday.
The Zimbabwe Warriors who had an opportunity to close the gap in Group C were caught napping by an equally unpredictable Lesotho.
Lack of continuity within the technical set up and inadequate preparations came back to haunt the warriors who conceded two soft goals in a space of 10 minutes against a Dikwena side which had ample time to prepare.
Lesotho found the opener from a corner kick in the 21st minute through Rethabile Rasethuntusa before Jane Thabantsi sealed the Warriors fate 10 minutes later off a counter attack.
The Warriors responded by taking out Tawanda Chirewa but did not change their fortunes.
The Warriors came a more organised side in the second half but lady luck was not on their side as Tymon Machope’s effort hit the wood work.
Substitute, Walter Musona had another chance but his volley missed the target as the Crocodiles held on for victory.
Warriors Coach, Jairosi Tapera and captain Marshall Munetsi were disappointed with the result.
Upsound Tapera: (We had a few days of training and we conceded from set piece something that we need to sit down with the boys and rectify before our next match,” said Yapera.
Munetsi said “It’s disappointing that we lost but it’s a marathon we will regroup and prepare for the next assignment.”
The result saw Lesotho shooting to the top of Group C with five points from three matches.
“A good result but we need to forget about this result and focus on our next match with Rwanda .it was an entertaining game that we anticipated,” said Lesotho’s coach, Leslie Notsi.
The Warriors will now shift focus to Tuesday’s encounter against South Africa in Bloemfontein.
