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ZIMBABWE’S Mighty Warriors kept their chances of qualifying for the All-Africa Games alive when they came from behind to force a draw under floodlights in the first leg of the final round qualifiers against Angola at Sagrada Esparanca Stadium yesterday.
Zimbabwe, with the odds heavily stacked against them in this match where the hosts where awarded two penalties and converted one, prevailed much to the delight of the Zimbabweans supporters based here.
The hosts scored in the 19th minute through a penalty which was converted by Maria do Destino.
Democratic Rebuplic of Congo referee Mbalavanga Lulelo awarded the hosts the spot kick when she adjudged that centreback Nobuhle Majika had handled in the box.
The centreback was hit in the groin as she attempted to clear but the referee had other ideas.
But Zimbabwe pushed and were rewarded in the 70th minute when striker Rudo Neshamba scored after exchanging neat passes with Eunice Chibanda on the flank and beating the withdrawn ‘keeper.
The match was not far from all over and in the 90th the hosts were awarded another controversial penalty when referee adjudged that defender Lilian Masase had fouled Angolan captain Irene Gonclaves.
The skipper took the spot kick but Onai Chingawo maintained her cool and saved.
Zimbabwe, who didn’t do well in the opening stages where they were caught offside on numerous occasions, came to party in the second half and with a bit of luck could have won.
Midfielder Nokuthula Ndlovu’s pile-driver hit the bar three minutes from time.
Angolan coach Augusto Manuel paid tribute to the visitors for a strong performance after the interval.
He, however, promised his team will turn the tide in Harare.
“We will play more than we did. We want to qualify for the All-Africa Games. Zimbabwe played well in the last stages and my players were tired. But we will regroup and train hard,” said Manuel.
Despite holding on to a crucial draw, Mighty Warriors’ coach Rose Mugadza said her charges didn’t do well.
“Our girls didn’t perform well but l am happy with the result.
“Maybe they were jittery because of the crowd they didn’t play according to game plan,” said Mugadza.
Teams:
Angola: R. Joao, V. Domingos, V. Muncondo, L. Lubano, B. Miguel, M. Destino, M. Roberto(V. Lando 55th minute), I. Gonclaves, J. Caspar, C. Quimuanga(L. Silva72nd minute), C. Cussuma.
Zimbabwe: O. Chingawo, E. Chibanda, R. Mutyavaviri, N.Majika, L. Masase, T. Mandaza, E. Msipa(T. Mairosi 58th minute), N. Ndlovu, M. Nyaumwe (E. Jeke 79th minute), R. Machingura (V. Bepete 58th minute), R. Neshamba.