Mwanjali, speaking ahead of the crunch tie, expressed confidence that the Warriors would bounce back despite poor preparations, which have seen the team failing to play an international friendly match and only going into camp less than a week ago.
“The preparations have been poor,” said Mwanjali, who plays for South African Premiership outfit Mamelodi Sundowns. “Ideally the team should have gone into camp earlier and played some friendly matches ahead of this match. But that will not distract us from our objective of coming out with all points. We need to fight to the bitter end and emerge with a win. It’s a crucial match because it will decide our fate in this campaign.”
Mali has been in camp for more than two weeks and have been camping in South Africa head of this match. Zimbabwe need a clear win against the Eagles of Mali and must win all their remaining matches to bounce back and qualify for the tournament to be held in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon next year.
The Warriors currently lie third in Group A with two points after two draws against Liberia (1-1) away and Cape Verde Islands (0-0) at home before the 1-0 loss to Mali in Bamako in March. Cape Verde are leading the group with Mali coming second.
1.6.2011
6:59
Mwanjali rallies team mates ahead of Mali showdown
HARARE - Warriors captain Method Mwanjali (Pictured) has rallied his troops to fight like a cobra as the national soccer team prepares for a showdown with Eagles of Mali, whom they take on in the 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifier at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.