With two crunch matches remaining before Zimbabwe’s fate in the next edition of the biennial tournament is decided, Mwanjali reckons that the team selected by coach Norman Mapeza is capable of seeing Zimbabwe realise what could be their third ever passage to the finals.
The Warriors host Liberia’s Lone Stars in a must-win Group A encounter at Rufaro Stadium this weekend and Mapeza called in 14 foreign-based players, eight of them, including the skipper, plying their trade in neighbouring South Africa’s ABSA Premiership.
Utility player Mwanjali said although the upcoming game would be very tough, Zimbabwe was confident of upsetting the Group A apple cart and twisting the qualification tide in favour of Zimbabwe.
“Liberia are a good side and the game against them will be a very tough one, but since we are playing at home, I am confident that we will be able to use home ground advantage to our favour,” said Mwanjali.
“We will be playing in front of our supporters and that might mean pressure, but we are used to that and will put our all to deliver to the nation’s expectations because we want to qualify for the finals.”
Zimbabwe could miss its striking partnership of the suspended Nyasha Mushekwi and Knowledge Musona, still nursing a training ground injury he sustained in Germany, where he is now turning out for TSG Hoffenheim, but Mwanjali believes there are capable replacements to fill that void.
“We will miss the two, should Musona also not make it, but there are still some good young players who will be selected in their place and they are capable of doing the job for us. They might even perform above what is expected of the missing players,” he added.
“Our aim is to win our two remaining fixtures in the group and qualify. The last game will be away, but we are still determined to do it for Zimbabwe.”
Other SA-based players called in by the former Ajax Cape Town defender include Amazulu captain and goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs’ Tinashe Nengomasha and the Amakhosi’s new signings, Willard Katsande and Lincoln Zvasiya.
The Warriors are currently sitting third on five points in the group, after one attaining a win, two draws and a loss in the four games they have played so far in the qualifiers.
They are two points behind surprise leaders Cape Verde Islands and one behind initial favourites Mali.
The last time the two teams met, they drew 1-1 in Monrovia – Knowledge Musona putting Zimbabwe ahead in the 30th minute before Sekou Oliseh struck the hosts an equalizer in the 68th minute.
Post published in: Sport