Fans Worried by Warriors' Poor Performance Against Mauritius
The Warriors now meet the Chipolopolo in a match to decide who will represent southern Africa at the finals held in South Africa in January.
HARARE — As the saying goes, no elder brother is expected to beat his chest proudly after overcoming his young brother in a wrestling contest. That is the belief of Zimbabwean soccer fans following Zimbabwe’s unconvincing display in their one-all draw against Mauritius at the National Sports Stadium Sunday. The Warriors sail through 4-1 on aggregate to the qualifying round for a place at the 2014 African Nations Championships. The fans are of the opinion that beating Mauritius is nothing to gloat about for new coach Ian Gorowa and his players. Failing in such a simple mission would surely have earned the coach the sack. In fact, the fans are disappointed after the Warriors could only manage a draw against the islanders having beaten the same team 3-0 in the first leg at the George V Stadium in Port Louis last week. Most of the soccer fans left Rufaro Stadium shaking their heads in disbelief after being treated to a mediocre show and Dynamos supporter Phillip Musambaruta said he was disappointed by Zimbabwe’s pathetic show. Musambaruta, best known in football circles as “Bla Filler,” said judging by their performance against Mauritius, the Warriors do not stand a chance against Zambia’s Chipolopolo in the final qualifying round. The Warriors now meet the Chipolopolo in a match that will decide who will represent Southern Africa at the finals to be held in South Africa in January. The Zambians beat the Warriors 2-0 in the final of the COSAFA Castle Cup at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium last month. Young soccer fan, Joseph Maketa, who supports Highlanders Football Club, also feels that Zimbabwe are not in the same league with Zambia if Sunday’s performance is anything to go by. Judging from the Warriors unconvincing display against Mauritius, the Zambians are favourites to land that vital place at the finals in a tournament that is reserved for players who ply their trade in their home countries. Zimbabwe has been to the African Nations Championship finals twice but has failed to go beyond the first round.