HARARE - A heavily depleted Warriors squad was scheduled to leave for Mali yesterday (Wednesday) for the crucial Group A African Cup of Nations qualifier against the Eagles in Bamako this weekend. The Warriors have been hit by injuries to key players ahead of the encounter after defenders Noel Kaseke and Gilbert Mapemba became the latest players to be ruled out.
Cyprus-based Kaseke was stretchered off the pitch in the 60th minute with a left thigh injury during a First Division match against Apollon in Cyprus on Saturday night. Mapemba riled the Warriors team management when he only revealed his injury after turning up for camp at the weekend, leaving coach Norman Mapeza with no option but recall FC Platinum defender Daniel Veremu and in-form Dynamos right back David Kutyauripo to the team.
Kaseke and Mapemba’s injuries bring to four the number of players who have been forced to pull of the trip to Bamako.
“It’s a disaster really. It is part of the game that players get injured but not losing two or more players on the eve of the match. We just hope there won’t be more casualties before the game,” said Mapeza.
Post published in: Football