ZIMBABWE'S quest for a fourth Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup title suffered a dent yesterday after they settled for a 2-2 draw against the Crocodiles of Lesotho in their final Group A match at Rufaro Stadium.Zimbabwe now no longer have the destiny in their hands as they will have to pray fervently that Mauritius hold Lesotho in their final match at the same venue on Wednesday for them to advance to the semi-final stage of the tournament.
Although Lesotho need to beat Mauritius 4-0 to pip the Warriors to the sole ticket to the last eight of the tournament, they showed the character to achieve this as they produced a fabulous display against their more illustrious opponents.
The Warriors were the first to get out of the blocks following a fine strike by Malajila in the sixth minute after he was set up by striking partner Evans Gwekwerere.
But, the Crocodiles equalised 17 minutes into the second half through a penalty converted Thabiso Maile after he was brought down in the box by captain Method Mwanjali.
But Gwekwerere added the second for the Warriors with the simplest of finishes after he was set up by Mwalajila.
As the Warriors took control of the match, goalkeeper Washington Arubi made a horrendous blunder, moving from his goal line to launch a visious tackle on Museso Sello and the referee pointed to the spot.
And, Maile stepped up again to level the score line and sent the whole stadium into eerie silence.
Zimbabwe will now have to wait for the match between Lesotho and Mauritius to know if they still have interest in the tournament. Should hosts Zimbabwe be eliminated from the tournament, it will lose its glamour as fans are likey to stay away from the remaining matches.
Post published in: Football