Johannesburg -Warriors coach, Norman MapezaThis followed Zimbabwes quest to qualify for next years edition of the African Nations Cup taking a severe blow with a 1-0 loss to their perennial rivals.
Zimbabwe were poor particularly poor in he first segment as their chances of making it to the biennial tournament took a back seat with the inexperienced mentor the helm.
The first half was difficult. We really suffered but after the break we woke up from our slumber. Perhaps if it were not for the inexperience of my young players we could have had a better result. My players made serious mistakes that we were made to pay for dearly, Mapeza told media after the match in Bamako, Mali.
Despite the teams perilous position, the coach remained confident of qualifying for the continents prime tournament.
Zimbabwe has drawn two and lost one match in the qualifiers.
The team is second-bottom in a group where the winners qualify for African Nations Cup 2012 in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
It is true that we have just two points after three matches and the team on top in our group has seven points. The equation is simple and quick to make with regards to what we need to do. We have to first win our two home games and the final one away to even dream of an outside chance of qualification. I think it is still possible and we will do all we can to try and qualify, he said.
Zimbabwe, on the brink of failing to qualify, are chokers.
They have played in the Nations Cup only twice, the last time in 2006 when they bundled out in the first round.
They also fell out in the same hurdle at their debut in 2004.
Post published in: Football