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Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda

Sports Reporter—
MIGHTY Warriors assistant coach, Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda says they are happy with the team’s performance at the ongoing Olympic Games despite losing their second Group F game against Canada 1-3 on Saturday. Zimbabwe are in Group F alongside Germany, ranked second, Australia fifth and Canada ranked number 10 in the world. Going into the match on Saturday, it was always going to be tough for Zimbabwe facing the 10th ranked Canadians.

Although they lost, the Mighty Warriors gave a good account of themselves with Mavis Chirandu, who came in as a substitute for Felistas Muzongondi, scoring the only goal for her side in the 86th minute.

Chirandu’s goal is the second for Zimbabwe at the Games. They got their first goal on Wednesday in their opening group match against Germany when Kudakwashe Basopo scored when the scoreline was still 2-0.

On Saturday, Canada’s three goals came in the first half with Janine Beckie scoring twice for her side and captain Christine Sinclair added the third one via a penalty as they dominated the first half.

“It was a spirited fight in the second half by the girls. The goals conceded were very soft and just lack of international exposure which affects their decision making most of the time,” said Sibanda.

“But we are happy they really competed and had improved (in the second half) on the confidence to play when we won possession.” Zimbabwe made three changes from the team that played Germany with Chido Dzingirai coming in for Lindiwe Magwede, who had made the grade ahead of first-choice ‘keeper.

Captain Felistas Muzongondi also made it into the first 11 on Saturday as well as midfielder Rejoice Kapfumvuti. Mighty Warriors chief striker and stand-in skipper in the first match Rudo Neshamba was given a rest.

Defender Lynett Mutokuto missed the game after receiving a one-match suspension for having committed what was considered a serious foul against Germany’s Simone Laudehr on Wednesday.

Mutokuto was not cautioned during that game but according to Fifa.com since the infringement escaped the match officials’ attention, it was submitted to the Fifa Disciplinary Committee for consideration.

Zimbabwe take on Australia tomorrow at Fonte Nova Arena, Salvador. It’s likely to be another tough assignment for Zimbabwe who are making their debut appearance at the Olympics.

Speaking at a press conference after the match, Canada’s midfielder, Sophie Schmidt noted that although they emerged winners on Saturday the Zimbabweans gave them a good run during the match.

“We can’t underestimate them, they came out and especially in the second half they were playing one touch football around us at times. It was amazing. “They have definitely come a long way and I don’t think that in that game I felt like okay it is easy we are playing Zimbabwe. They put a fight, they made us work for it today (Saturday),” said Schmidt.

The top two teams from the three groups and two best third-place finishers will advance to the quarter-finals. Canada’s victory means they secured their place in the quarterfinals and a win against Germany tomorrow will see them finishing on pole position in Group F.

They lead the group with six points. Germany are second with four points after they drew 2-2 against Australia, who are third with one point. Zimbabwe are sitting on the bottom with no points while Canada are leading with six points.