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The Young Warriors, who have rallied the fans to come in their thousands and support their cause, are sitting on a 3-2 cushion courtesy of the first leg victory in Lusaka two weeks ago.

The game also gives fans the chance to watch the best of the emerging crop of players in this country with midfielder Joel Ngodzo the star in the pack.
Striker Simba Sithole grabbed a brace in the match and Dynamos newboy Denver Mukamba scored the other goal while Zambia hit back through Zesco United players Chileshe Kangwa and Chakwa Lungu.

But with the first leg match now a closed chapter, it appears it’s still game on as both sides are looking ahead to the decisive second leg with confidence.
Zambia arrived on Thursday evening and held their first training session yesterday afternoon with coach Lucky Msiska sounding upbeat of his team’s chances.

Although Zimbabwe carry a slight advantage, apparently the team that scores first tomorrow will get a psychological boost and probably swing the pendulum in their favour.
Young Warriors coach Friday Phiri said his team will leave nothing to chance and will not be fooled to underrate their northern neighbours following the away first leg victory.
“Zambia are not lightweights in football and we are not going to be tempted to think that this is going to be an easy game because we beat them at their backyard,” said Phiri.
“In fact the game isn’t over until the final whistle on Sunday. So we are going to approach it as if we don’t have any advantage.
“We don’t want to give them any chance to come at us and we will be all out in attack.”

The Zimbabwe Under-23 coach said while the team will be in attack mode, they will still ensure that they provide enough cover to goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda.
The coaches are likely to unleash Shooting Stars marksman Simba Sithole upfront with South Africa-based Mathew Rusike also set to get his time in the Young Warriors colours.

Monomotapa’s Lincoln Zvasiya, who played well at the heart of defence in the reverse leg, will get a new partner in Motor Action’s Passmore Benard who is likely to be switched from his rightback position to fill the void left by Knowledge Machona.
Machona was ruled out of the tie because of family bereavement but the coaches still have enough resources after calling Lengthens’ steady defender Stephen Matsangaise for the second leg.

Team captain Qadr Amini is a sure choice for the leftback position while Hwange player Blessing Sande provides more options in defence.
Highlanders’ Joel Ngodzo and Charles Mukanhairi were also called up this week to boost the midfield that already looks strong with the presence of Mukamba, Rahman Kutsanzira, Tapiwa Mangezi and Timire Mamvura.
“It’s a well balanced team and everyone is in good spirits. We have prepared to the best of our abilities and all the players are eager to have their input on Sunday.
“We want more goals and it will be good for us if we could score early and put them under pressure,” said Phiri.
Zambia Under-23 coach Msiska was upbeat yesterday.

He said they learnt their lesson from the defeat they suffered in the first leg and promised to take the game back to the Zimbabweans tomorrow.
The visitors have made some changes to their team bringing in Kabwe Warriors striker Alex Ngonga, experienced midfielder Stophilla Sunzu who plays for African champions TP Mazembe in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Konkola Blades defender Christopher Munthali.
Msiska said they were hoping to turn around the tables on their opponents after working on their shortcomings.
“We are here to do our best. I’m sure we have 50-50 chances of winning the match although I have a feeling that it will not be easy.
“It appears we have mountains to climb but if they could beat us at home, then what should stop us from doing the same here?” said Msiska.

Zambia need to win by a clear two-goal margin to ensure a safe passage to the first round qualifiers.
“We have basically the same team although there are some few changes. We learnt our lessons from the first leg which we lost through some goals that probably we shouldn’t have conceded under normal circumstances,” he said.
Meanwhile, Young Warriors team manager Wellington Mpandare has called on football supporters to come in their numbers to cheer the team to victory.

He said the Young Warriors should be able to realise the full benefits of playing at home through the backing of large crowds.
“Home advantage should count a lot and I urge all Zimbabweans to come in their numbers to cheer the team and help boost the morale.
“This is the future national team and it needs support of everyone to qualify for the finals of this important tournament,” said Mpandare.

Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association president Eddie “Mboma” Nyatanga also released a statement calling on Zimbabweans to support the team.
Zifa said in a statement yesterday that tickets for the rest of the ground have been pegged at US$3 while the upper grand stand cost US$5 and the VIP US$10.
“This is an opportunity for our Young Warriors to lift the Zimbabwean flag even higher. We also have to keep in mind that this is going to be the core of national team for 2014 World Cup and they need our support to boost them.
Winners between Zambia and Zimbabwe will meet either Botswana or Swaziland in the first round matches in April. The final round qualifiers will take place in June and July.
If Zimbabwe pull through to that stage they will meet the team that emerges victorious after the Malawi/Lesotho and South Africa/Angola clashes in parallel qualifiers currently underway.
Only one team from the Zone Six region and hosts Mozambique will win the ticket to play at the finals. Gate fees: Rest of Ground — $3 Upper Grand Stand — $5 VIP — $10.