Eish, I’m sorry: Karuru

The Warriors were beaten 3-0 by the Samba before a near capacity crowd that also included high ranking government officials — Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and President Robert Mugabe. Goals by Olympic Lyon defender Michael Bastos, Santos striker Robinho and Galatasaray midfielder Elano condemned the Warriors to a defeat in an epic clash against the five-time world champions. However, the Warriors exhibited great character keeping their highly fancied opponents at bay for the opening 40 minutes in which the brave Zimbabweans rattled the South Americans with a composed performance. The Warriors could have at least managed a goal had they not put to waste a glorious chance that came their way in the first half. And it was the youthful but supremely talented Karuru who missed the sitter with Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Ceaser at his mercy. For a moment Karuru lacked the presence of mind, ballooning his effort over the bar from five yards instead of placing a low shot after pouncing on to a loose ball in the danger zone following a good effort by forceful Benjani Mwaruwari skipper who had worked his way past the Brazilian defence. Karuru’s miss became the talking point after the match with the majority of the fans saying Zimbabwe could have managed at least one goal against the brilliant Brazilians had Karuru not missed that opportunity. Karuru, however, apologised for his glaring miss. “I want to say sorry to the fans for that miss. My intention was to shoot at goal after I won possession when Benjani was felled but somehow it went over the bar. It was a mistake and am sorry for that,” Karuru told The Zimbabwean on Sunday last Thursday.