By Advent Shoko
Zimbabwe’s Under-23 side, the Young Warriors, completed their first-round assignment in style on Tuesday night, beating Mauritius 4-1 away from home to seal a commanding 6-1 aggregate victory.
The result sends Zimbabwe into the next round, where they will face Mali in their next assignment, scheduled for next month.
The Young Warriors travelled to Mauritius with a 2-0 advantage after beating the island nation at the National Sports Stadium a week earlier.
David Chigwada and Nisbert Muzenda scored in that first-leg victory, giving Zimbabwe a useful cushion heading into the return match.
But there was little sign of the Young Warriors settling for a narrow aggregate win.
Under Spanish coach Marc Sánchez, Zimbabwe produced a more ruthless attacking display, scoring four times to put the tie beyond doubt before the final whistle.
Pfupa puts Mauritius to the sword
The standout performer was forward Elisha Pfupa, who wore the number 7 shirt and produced a clinical hat-trick.
Pfupa scored three times as Zimbabwe raced into a commanding position. Chigwada then added Zimbabwe’s fourth goal to complete another emphatic performance on the road. The Young Warriors went to half-time leading 4-1 and already holding a 6-1 advantage on aggregate.
The result also highlighted the growing understanding within a squad that has only played two matches together under Sanchez.
After the opening-leg victory, the Young Warriors looked more settled and cohesive in Mauritius, with their attacking movement and finishing showing signs of improvement.
Padera steps up in Mthunzi’s absence
Captain Corbyn Mthunzi was absent for the second leg, leaving vice-captain Prosper Padera to take responsibility in the middle of the park.
Padera responded with a composed performance, helping Zimbabwe control the midfield as the visitors maintained their grip on the tie.
Young Warriors line-up
- Tatenda Chikowero,
- Nisbert Muzenda,
- Takudzwa Gwanzura,
- Allan Chapinduka,
- Richard Nkomo,
- Seth Chingwaro,
- Miles Bracking,
- Prosper Padera
- David Chigwada,
- Elisha Pfupa,
- Vernon Masara
The substitutes were:
- Kaunda Joseph,
- Taropafadzwa Wafawarova,
- Jayden Munikwa,
- Garie Junior Chibika,
- Junior Chigumbu,
- Tanaka Munemo,
- Elshaddai Sadomba.
The Young Warriors’ emphatic victory means they can now turn their attention to the next challenge.
Mali is the next victim
Zimbabwe will face Mali next month, with the Young Warriors now carrying the confidence of a convincing two-leg victory into the next round.
The 6-1 aggregate scoreline will also provide encouragement for Sanchez as he continues to build a team that is still developing its chemistry.
For now, though, the message from the Young Warriors is simple: Mauritius job done, Mali next.
Four goals, a 6-1 aggregate victory and another step forward for Bayawabaya.
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