We surprised ourselves says Under 23 captain

By Mugove Chigada

Zimbabwe Under-23 captain Qadir Amini says they surprised themselves with their brilliant performance on Saturday. The Young Warriors beat their Zambian counterparts 3-2 in the first leg of an All-Africa games qualifier.

Amini and company raced to a 3-1 lead in the first half through goals from Simba Sithole (brace) and Denver Mukamba. “We didn’t expect to play the way we did,” said Amini. “We played a beautiful passing game and totally dominated them. “It was good because we also scored in the process.

Archford Gutu and Simba Sithole were outstanding in the match. Their performance was very good,” Amini said. Warriors team manager Wellington Mpandare said the team had managed to get a crucial win.

“Zambia were dangerous in the first 20 minutes but our team managed to absorb the pressure before they stunned the Zambians. Almost all the guys played well and the three first half goals by Simba and Denver were enough to give us the victory. “Simba was injured towards the end of the first half and he did not partake in the second half.”

Simba said: “The injury is not very serious. It was great scoring the goals but I must give credit to the whole team for our performance. Zambia was a different team from the one that we faced in the Under 20s in Botswana.

“This one was a much stronger side but we still managed to beat them despite the fact that our team is made up of guys who were in the Under 20s and those who just recently graduated. “It was important that we took the lead. The job will be much easier in the second leg,” he said.