Zimbabwe booked their place in the final of the Mukuru Four-Nation Tournament after a commanding 3-0 victory over hosts Botswana at Obed Itani Stadium in Francistown on Saturday evening.
The Warriors delivered a clinical first-half performance, scoring all the goals before the break and putting the game beyond reach.
Zimbabwe made an aggressive start and could have taken the lead as early as the fifth minute after Teenage Hadebe’s volley from inside the box sailed over the bar.
As they maintained the momentum, the Warriors suffered a setback in the 18th minute when defender Munashe Garananga pulled up clutching his hamstring. He was forced off and replaced by Isheanesu Mauchi.
Despite the disruption, Zimbabwe continued to control the proceedings and were rewarded in the 24th minute when Mongameli Tshuma opened the scoring with a composed finish, marking his first goal for the national team.
Zimbabwe doubled their lead eight minutes later through Macaulay Bonne, who was on hand to apply the finishing touch following a cleverly worked corner routine.
Bill Antonio, who provided the two assists, turned goalscorer this time on the stroke of half-time to make it three and cap off an impressive first-half display.
Botswana showed more intent after the restart and enjoyed better spells of possession, but clear-cut chances remained limited.
The hosts were handed a lifeline in the 65th minute when Mauchi’s misplaced pass allowed them to break forward, and Hadebe conceded a penalty while attempting to recover. However, goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze came to Zimbabwe’s rescue with a brilliant save from the spot to preserve the clean sheet.
Chipezeze was called into action again deep into stoppage time, producing another sharp save to deny a long-range effort as Zimbabwe saw out the match with authority.
The result sends Zimbabwe into the final, where they will face Zambia on Tuesday at 6 pm CAT. Botswana will take on Malawi in the third-place play-off.
Pic Credit: Facebook/ZIFA
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