UNDER-23S HOLD ZIM IN OLYMPIC QUALIFIER

Zimbabwe U-23s ......................0
Swaziland U-23s .......................0

MBABANE – The national Under-23s have boosted their chances of making the final round of the Olympic Games Qualifiers after holding Zimbabwe to a goalless draw yesterday.

Caleb Ngwenya’s charges made a stop at Rafuro Stadium in Harare, Zimbabwe, under pressure to start their qualification campaign on a high note during the first leg of the second round encounter.
According to our own correspondent, Zimbabwe were in the ascendancy but could not convert their chances into goals while the local side also came to the party.

Zimbabwe’s Young Warriors, as that country’s national Under-23s are widely known, will be in the country for the return match next weekend. The winner will meet neighbours, South Africa, in the final qualifying round. The winners from that encounter will seal a ticket for the finals to be held in Senegal after original hosts, the Democratic Republic of Congo, withdrew to focus on preparations for that country’s elections.

The top three teams at the finals in Senegal will automatically qualify for the 2016 Olympics to be held in Brazil, while the fourth-placed team will be involved in a play-off against an Asian team.

Meanwhile, reports had earlier suggested that Zimbabwe Premier League side, Dynamos’ duo of Blessing Moyo and goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva, were not available, as well as Chicken Inn players Raphael Kutinyu and defender Lawrence Mhlanga.

Vice-captain Ronald Pfumbidzai, who is on trials at Danish Superliga side Hobro IK, was replaced by new call-up Edwin Madhananga of Flame Lily.
Mamelodi Sundowns winger Kuda Mahachi could not make it for camp due to family commitments while the Zimbabwe Football Association failed to secure an air ticket for Macauley Bonne who turns out for English League One side Colchester United.

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