Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Lovemore Dube in Pretoria, South Africa
1 December 2008
Harare — A CLEMENCE Matawu first-half strike gave Sunday Chidzambwa a winning start as the Zimbabwe Warriors of locally-based stars put one foot towards qualifying for the African Nations Championship in a match played at Super Stadium in Pretoria.
It was Chidzambwa's first match since taking over from disappointing Brazilian Valinhos.
Matawu buried home a chance in the 29th minute created by right-back David Kutyauripo, who won a corner kick and Zhaimo Jambo got behind the ball and sent a curler that deceived the defence to land on to the path of Gilbert Banda, whose weak shot was finished off by Matawu to give the visitors the lead.
Kutyauripo had a good opening 45 minutes.
Prior to that, Highlanders' Cuthbert Malajila had headed wide a good cross from Jambo in the 16th minute.
On 23 minutes, Banda cleared a dangerous cross from the left with a James Matola-like diving header.
In the 31st minute, Musa Bilankulu would have scored a spectacular own goal but had goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands tipping for a corner a blistering miscued clearance.
On 40 minutes, Simba Marumo got the better of a challenge from Thomas Sweswe but sent his effort over the bar with goalkeeper Willard Manyatera at his mercy.
Two minutes later, Vuyo Mere shot weakly at goal to present second half hero Manyatera with no problems.
South Africa, who played second fiddle to Zimbabwe, came close in the 50th minute through Derrick Spencer, whose effort crashed against the woodwork from outside the box.
In the 59th minute, Mzondi Mthombeni's curling free-kick was well dealt with by Manyatera, who punched the ball away and the ball got to Marumo, who shot wide.
Spencer came searching for the elusive equaliser in the 61st minute, but his shot was punched away for a corner.
Sifiso Myeni had his shot saved by Manyatera in the 78th minute, but the rebound was sent to the stands by Marumo.
In the 89th minute, Edward Sadomba had a tricky chip, after being fed by Monomotapa striker Charles Chiutsa, missing the target by inches with Manyatera coming to the rescue with a suicidal dive as David Hadebe pulled the trigger in the final minute.
Warriors gaffer Chidzambwa said he was not pleased with the performance of the boys.
"It is good to start with a win, but I feel the boys did not play to their full capability. We are going to work on our shortcomings and, hopefully, be able to convert our chances," said Chidzambwa.
The Warriors were expected to arrive in the capital city last night.
Team
W. Manyatera, D. Kutyauripo, Z. Jambo (O. Machapa 74th min), G. Banda, M. Mwanjali, T. Sweswe, J. Majabvi, E. Sadomba, C. Chiutsa, C. Matawu (P. Tafirenyika 87th min), C. Malajila (E. Chikwaikwai 71st min).
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