Warriors to rectify Zambia mistakes

WARRIORS defender Gerald Takwara says they will not repeat the same mistakes from their semi-final tie against Zambia when they face Kenya in the final of the Four Nations Invitational tournament in Malawi this afternoon.

The game against Zambia saw the Warriors concede two goals inside the first 25 minutes of the match.

Though the Warriors went on to win the game 6-5 on penalties, their start to the semi-final encounter is of concern.

Chipolopolo scored the opening goal of the match in the first minute through Stopilla Sunzu before they doubled the lead through Clatous Chama in the 23rd minute.

Zimbabwe responded towards the halfhour mark and pulled one back through Macauley Bonne’s tap-in in the 29th minute before Walter Musona scored the equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

Andy Rinomhota, Musona, Tinotenda Kadewere, Marshall Munetsi, Devine Lunga, Takwara, Donovan Bernard, and Botswana-based Daniel Msendami took penalties for the Warriors.

Musona and Lunga had their spot-kicks saved before Msendami, scored the last effort which won the game for Zimbabwe.

In the other semi-final, Kenya humbled hosts Malawi 4-0 to book a date in the final with Zimbabwe.

Takwara acknowledges that they started badly and they will be rectifying their mistakes.

“We started badly. I don’t know what was happening. But we did start badly but after some time we did pick up and everyone was working more than 100 percent. The comeback we did was nice and we hope it’s not going to happen again the way we started our first 20 minutes against Zambia.

“The training is okay, it’s good, we have difficulties in some areas but we can’t complain. We can’t afford to have excuses all the time we just have to adjust to whatever is there,” said Takwara.

Takwara said the final against Kenya will not be an easy game.

“It’s going to be a tough game. They are also playing to make their country happy. It’s going to be a tough game but we are going to manage it,” said Takwara.

The Warriors’ squad includes the UK-based quartet of Joey Phuthi of Sheffield Wednesday, Leicester City’s Tawanda Maswanhise, Shane Maroodza from Huddersfield Town and Brentford B’s goalkeeper Marley Tavaziva.

Junior Makunike, Peter Muduhwa, and Emmanuel Jalai are some of the local-based players in the squad.

Warriors Squad Goalkeepers: Martin Mapisa, Donovan Bernard, Marley Tavaziva

Defenders: Shane Maroodza, Divine Lunga, Gerald Takwara, Kevin Moyo, Teenage Hadebe, Peter Muduhwa, Munashe Garananga, Emmanuel Jalai, Jordan Zemura, Joey Phuthi

Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi, Junior Makunike, Andy Rinomhota, Tivonge Rushesha, Tawanda Chirewa, Walter Musona

Strikers: Tinotenda Kadewere, Daniel Msendami, Tawanda Maswanhise, Macauley Bonne