All set for COSAFA Under-20 semi-final

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Friday December 10, 2010 00:00

 

Kick-off is 3pm. Zambia's assistant coach, Beston Chambeshi said that the tie against Zimbabwe will be no stroll in the park.

Chambeshi watched the Young Warriors dispatch hosts Botswana 3-0 in the opening game of the tournament and knows what to expect this afternoon. 'It will be an exciting game. I watched them play against Botswana and they looked like a good team. But I think we have a better side (than them) so we will give them a good run for their money,' he told Mmegi Sport.

Young Warriors' coach, Taurai Mangwiro is impressed with his boys who have scored six goals in two games.

Mangwiro will be hoping that his charges continue from where they left on Wednesday when they handed Swaziland a 3-1 defeat. The Young Warriors dominated the match but wasted a lot of chances.

Mangwiro has warned his charges not to rest on their laurels following their last two successful outings.

'We fancy our chances against our neighbours, Zambia. We have done fairly well but we should not get carried away. There is still a lot of work to be done and we need to remain focused,' he said.

While Zimbabwe have been awesome so far in the tournament, the Young Guns of Zambia have struggled. In their opening game, the defending champions had to come from behind twice to force a 2-2 draw against Angola.

But the Zambians are capable of rising to the occasion when meeting Zimbabwe in the semis.

They will be banking on the likes of Richard Kasonde, Christopher Munthali, Rodrick Kabwe and Chakwe Lungu who were part of last year's title-winning side.

They have Choma Eagles striker Lewis Macha and Zanaco's Under-17 international, Moses Phiri.

Mangwiro will be hoping that his captain Simbarashe Sithole recovers in time for the tie. Sithole is carrying a knock although he played a part in Wednesday's 3-1 win against Swaziland.

Mangwiro also has a gem in left-back Kudakwashe Mahachi, who has been outstanding in the tournament.

In the other semi-final, Namibia take on Madagascar at the same venue at 5pm.

Madagascar made their intentions clear from the onset when they steamrolled 5-0 over island rivals, Seychelles in the opening match in Group D. Once again, their hopes lie in Njiva Rakotondramantra who scored twice against Seychelles.

Namibia will look to the duo of Neville Tziueza and striker Benson Shilongo for goals.

On their way to the semis, Namibia drew with Lesotho 2-2 before beating South Africa 2-0 on Wednesday.

They showed character when they came from 2-0 down with only seven minutes to go against Lesotho. The final takes place at the UB Stadium on Sunday at 3pm.