South Africa Under-23 Beat Young Warriors

Simba Rushwaya

27 June 2011

Zimbabwe Young Warriors left themselves with a mountain to climb when they lost to Amaglug-glug in an All Africa Games first leg, final qualifier at Sinaba yesterday.

Zimbabwe finished the match with 10-men after midfielder Devon Chafa was red-carded by referee Joshua Bondo from Botswana at the death after a crude tackle on a South African player.

The Young Warriors missed the services of Archford Gutu who was barred from participating in the match following a two-match ban imposed on the player when he featured for the Young Warriors against Botswana.

The team management was under the impression that Gutu served the suspension after he missed the Botswana return leg at Rufaro and the Warriors Nations Cup match against Mali at home.

The hosts could have overrun their opponents as they had promised before the match, but Amaglug-glug played to the gallery and might rue the chances they wasted. Young Warriors goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda was outstanding between the posts by denying Amaglug-glug the chance to score goals.

Bongani Ndulula grabbed a brace for the hosts; first scoring a goal following sloppy defending by Lincoln Zvasiya who headed a short back pass to the Sibanda, which was intercepted by Ndulula.

He then added a second when he executed a clinical finish after a methodical build-up.

The Young Warriors were never in it, save for a screamer by striker Mathew Rusike in 41st minute, which was punched for a corner by Pule Boalefa in goals for the hosts.

Amaglug-glug enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in both halves and had it not been for their wasteful display, they could have buried the game as a contest with at least half a dozen goals.

The two teams will again meet in the second leg at Rufaro in two weeks.

Coach Friday Phiri conceded that the South Africans were superior but refused to throw in the towel.

“This was just the first half of the game. We are confident that we can overturn the result when we go back to Harare. We only need to have thorough preparations,” Phiri said.

“South Africa is a good side but they can be beaten. It’s not over yet.”

But Phiri might be forced to swallow his words if the South Africans replicate their game in a fortnight.

The Shakes Mashaba coached side showed fluidity in all departments, especially in the midfield where Thandani Ntshumayelo dictated the pace of the game with sheer skill and command to shut out an out of sorts Abbas Amidu.

Amaglug-glug showed their intentions as early as the first minute when Phumelele Bhengu whipped a cross that found no taker on the right flank.

The hosts had the luxury to miss a seater in the 34th minute after a scramble in the box before Zvasiya cleared the ball to safety.

Then came the mother of all boobs.

In trying to make a back pass with a header, Zvasiya deceived his own goalkeeper allowing Ndulula to pounce from close range.

South Africa killed the game as a contest when Ndulula taped the ball with a right foot after a delightful build on the edge of the box after getting the last kick from Bongolethu Jayiya to send the home crown into a delirium.

South Africa Under -23… (1) 2

Zimbabwe Under-23… 0

AllAfrica – All the Time