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Zimbabwe is a step away from the next round as they beat Botswana 4-0 in the first leg that was played at Barbourfields Stadium a fortnight ago.

They got their goals from double scorer Munyaradzi Chiwara, Edmore Tsoro and Knox Mutizwa.
Should the Young Warriors sail past the Young Zebras, they will face Angola on the weekend of 28 July.

However, Zimbabwe might travel without Chiwara who grabbed a brace in the first leg as he is ill and has to recover before the team’s departure today. The midfielder missed the Young Warriors’ training game against Highlanders on Sunday.

Another midfielder Farai Madora picked up a knock during the national Under-20’s 2-0 win against Highlanders and will have to pass a late fitness test. They got their goals from a 33rd minute long range strike by Edmore Tsoro with substitute Mgcini Sibanda chipping over Ariel Sibanda late in the second half.

Speaking on behalf of the head coach Jairos Tapera yesterday, Mandla Mpofu said if the two players fail to recover on time they would be dropped.

“We might be forced to make one or two changes to the team that beat Botswana. The team doctors are monitoring the conditions of Chiwara and Madora. If they fail to pass the fitness test tomorrow (today) morning, then they will be replaced. As much as we will miss them, I believe there is enough depth to cover their absence,” Mpofu said.

Chiwara’s absence was hardly felt in the training game against Highlanders as Dynamos’ Brian Five fitted in well with Sibanda who had replaced Madora in the 82nd minute marking his presence with a well-converted strike deep into injury-time.

The Young Warriors’ technical team might also have to drop another defender to make way for Lawrence Mhlanga who did not play in the first leg against Botswana because he did not have a passport.

The coaches also had a look at striker Peter Muduhwa of Harare and Ajax Hotspurs’ midfielder Chrispen Machisa. The two will be hoping to replace the injured players and avoid being part of the three who will be dropped today.

The Young Warriors trained yesterday and they will have two more sessions in Gaborone.
Skipper Willard Kalongoda, the Moyo twins Elvis and Kelvin, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Nqobizitha Masuku, Tsoro and Mutizwa are expected to carry the day for Zimbabwe in Botswana.

The Young Zebras are likely to bank on goalkeeper Neo Kenalemang who plays for Gaborone United, Taffic FC midfielder and skipper Ogomoditse Baoline and striker Unobatsha Mbaiwa who turns out for lower division club Delta Winds.

Zimbabwe should also look out for Wongare Kaekwe of Township Rollers, Eric Molefhi of Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Notwane’s Langa Mabuli and Shadreck Kgosietsile of Gaborone United who have premier league experience.

Young Warriors Squad
Goalkeepers: Tonderai Mateyaunga, Roderick Madzongwe
Defenders: Willard Kalongonda, Elvis Moyo, Kelvin Moyo, Vincent Mbira, Chrispen Ncube, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Lawrence Mhlanga
Midfielders: Nqobizitha Masuku, Edmore Tsoro, Farai Madora, Munyaradzi Chiwara, Brian Five, Elton Dzirondiro, Tatenda Dzumbunu, Chrispen Machisa
Strikers: Farai Mupasiri, Mgcini Sibanda, Knox Mutizwa, Peter Muduhwa