Warriors aim to destroy Libya

By Raphael Moyo

Zimbabwe and Libya continue with their chase of continental glory when they clash in the semi-final of Chan at Free State Stadium on Wednesday. 

Being the only two sides left in the tournament with no history of continental silverware, the drive to enter into history books would certainly spur the teams.

The battlefield shifts for the Zimbabwe Warriors who have played their all matches in Cape Town so far, while Libya have had a feel of Free State Stadium twice in their Group C matches.

Since the two sides’ last meeting in a goalless Group B game at the inaugural edition of this tournament in Ivory Coat five years ago, Libya would be seeking revenge of their 2-1 defeat to the Warriors in an international friendly in November 1999.

Zimbabwe are under transformation under Ian Gorowa who is unbeaten in nine competitive matches since taking charge last July.

Javier Clemente’s Libya on the other hand are emerging from political strife that had taken its toll on their football and the Spaniard is enjoying a run of four undefeated competitive matches since assuming the reins last September.

The Mediterranean Knights enter into Wednesday’s clash on the backdrop of three straight draws they have recorded in South Africa so far.

In negotiating their way into the last four, it had to take a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Gabon following a 1-1 regulation time draw. This was preceded by draws with Ghana and Congo after having started on a high note with a 2-0 dismissal of Ethiopia in their opening match.

The Warriors have also endured their fair share of draws in this tournament after sharing spoils twice in their group matches against Morocco and Uganda.

But a narrow 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in their last group game carried them into the quarter-finals where they saw off Mali 2-1.

Zimbabwe are the lowest scoring side of the remaining teams with a paltry three goals. Their major drawback has been a blunt strikeforce where only How Mine striker Simba Sithole has found the back of the net while the other two goals has come from midfielders.

This is in sharp contrast to Libya whose chief marksman Abdelsalam Omar is vying for the Golden Boot accolade with four goals to his name so far. The Warriors could however rely on the creative midfield sensation Kuda Mahachi who is in the running for the Golden Ball award after being named man-of-the-match twice so far. Goal.com