Eddie Chikamhi
Senior Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe……………………………………………… (2) 2
Namibia………………………………………………… (1) 2
(Zimbabwe win 5-4 after shootout)
WE are back with a trophy.
Veteran coach Sunday Chidzambwa said Zimbabwe have a solid base to build their team for the upcoming CHAN qualifiers following an impressive showing in a penalty shootout victory over Namibia at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
The match was held to commemorate the inauguration of President Mnangagwa as Head of State.
The group of locally-based players needed a penalty shootout lottery to brush aside the visitors, who had twice come from behind and forced a tie-break in front of an appreciative crowd.
The shootout was not without its share of drama as Zimbabwe twice had the woodwork to thank before bagging the trophy and the accompanying US$50 000 prize money.
Namibia got half the amount for being runners-up.
Chidzambwa, who was named coach for this once-off assignment, was encouraged by positive signs.
Zimbabwe had not played international football in almost two years and this was their first game since the lifting of the 17-month ban by FIFA.
“I think the youngsters did well considering that we never trained. We only grouped in a day and I think they put up a good show,” said Chidzambwa.
“In the case of the CHAN tournament we need to get organised, we need to thoroughly look at these players in all areas and I think we will come up with a very good side.”
The Warriors had appeared set to win regulation time after Mthokozisi Msebe and Farai Banda had given them a half-time lead.
Only Walter Musona missed from the shootout for Zimbabwe while the Nambians twice hit the crossbar.