The Warriors of Zimbabwe walloped visiting Liberia 3-0 in Harare on Sunday to stay within touching distance of Group A leaders Mali in the qualification race for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, Zimbabwe face a decisive final qualifying match against closest rivals Cape Verde next month in Praia, while Mali visit Liberia. Mali are top of the section with nine points after they defeated Cape Verde Islanders 3-0 Saturday, but Zimbabwe will stay close on eight points courtesy of their win over the Lone Star of Liberia.
Early front runners Cape Verde are down in third with seven points, while Liberia languish at the bottom of the standings after amassing four points from five matches. Last year, Liberia forced Zimbabwe to a 1-1 draw in Monrovia. Sekou Oliseh’s 69th minute effort cancelled out a 30th minute opener by striker Knowledge Musona.
Home team Zimbabwe took a 16th minute via Willard Katsende, before midfielder Ovidy Karuru made it 2-0 just on the stroke of half time. And five minutes from time, midfielder Khama Billiat completed the scoring for the Zimbabweans, who last featured at the Nations Cup five years ago. Super Sport.com
