Story by Raynald Ngwarati
The Zimbabwe Under 20 men’s football team, the Young Warriors picked up their first victory of the COSAFA Under 20 Championship after thumping Eswatini 3-0 in Maputo this Saturday.
Bury FC forward, Tanaka Cherera switched on the scoring gear fo the Zimbabwe U20 team, getting his first goal for the Young Warriors in the first half.
The youngster, who was benched in the previous affair, proved his worth to coach Simon Marange with a precise finish to thrust Zimbabwe ahead, setting the foundation for what turned out to be an emphatic victory.
The goal gave confidence to the lads with captain Allan Chapinduka injecting his full energy to see the Young lads through to a big victory, which earned him a man of the match recognition.
Ngezi Platinum’s Nesbert Muzenda was the next to score for the Young Warriors after the break, before Highlanders’ exciting prospect Prince Ndlovu came off the bench to seal the three points with a goal in the last five minutes of regulation time.
The goal completed a rout for the Young Warriors who claimed the priced three points in style to move to the top of the Group A standings in the COSAFA Under-20 tournament.
The tournament is serving as the regional qualifier for the U20 Cup of Nations set for South Africa next year.
The finalists of the zonal qualifier will make it to the U20 AFCON.
Meanwhile, Botswana edged hosts Mozambique by two-goals to one to move second on the Group A standings, second to the Young Warriors on goal difference.
Zimbabwe’s next assignment is against Mozambique this coming Monday, and the Young Warriors will be gunning for maximum points to seal a ticket to the finals in style.
