Story by Raynald Ngwarati
ZIMBABWE’S Young Warriors continue to struggle in front of goal after playing out to a goalless draw against Eswatini in their second match at the ongoing CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations COSAFA Qualifiers at Ngoni Stadium this Saturday.
After two group matches, the back of the net remains a mystery for the Zimbabwe Under-17 national team, who have picked up just one point from a possible six.
Despite boasting a forward line known for its scoring prowess in domestic youth leagues, the Young Warriors have failed to replicate that form on the continental stage, a reality not lost on head coach Thulani Sibanda.
“We are creating chances, but we need more confidence and maturity in front of the goal. Unfortunately, Awa (Awakhiwe Tshalibe) did not start in the opening match, but when he came on today, you could see what he was doing. El Shaddai (Sadomba), when he came on, was brilliant, but Tadiwa (Chakuchichi), it just is not happening. Second game, same performance, of which he is our talisman. Maybe he has a hidden injury; we need to find out,” he said.
The goalless draw against Eswatini adds to their opening one-nil defeat to Mozambique, leaving Zimbabwe winless in Group A.
To keep their semi-final hopes alive, the Young Warriors must win their final group match, then leave their fate to other results.
Earlier, Mozambique and Comoros played out a goalless draw at the same venue, a result that keeps the group wide open.
Attention now shifts to Sunday’s Group B and C action, where South Africa and Madagascar face off at the Heart Stadium hours before Zambia and Malawi square off at the same venue, while at Ngoni, Botswana battle with Mauritius and Angola clash with Lesotho.
The tournament continues at a pace with semi-final spots hanging in the balance.
