Sport Reporter
Zimbabwe’s Young Mighty Warriors are set for a high-pressure semi-final clash against defending champions Zambia on Friday at Windhoek’s Hage Geingob Stadium, following a commanding 12-2 victory over Lesotho that secured their place atop Group C.
The Young Mighty Warriors are determined to change the narrative after losing 7-2 to Zambia in the last edition, while Zambia remains focused on retaining their title.
Head coach, Linda Ndlovu, praised her team’s resilience after their emphatic win over Lesotho but warned against complacency.
“The girls played very well. I’m very proud of our collective effort from both the technical team and the players,” Ndlovu said.
“But we can’t let our guard down. We need to stay focused.”
She acknowledged the psychological boost from their latest victory, especially after an earlier loss in the tournament against Botswana.
“The win boosted our confidence, considering we were coming from a defeat,” Ndlovu added.
With a spot in the final on the line, Ndlovu said mental and tactical preparation is key.
“I’m expecting a very competitive match, and we are prepared for it. Qualifying for the finals is crucial, and we’ve been working hard to progress from the group stage,” she said.
Zambia, meanwhile, enters the match as favorites, boasting a strong squad and a history of dominance in the regional tournament.
The other semi-final pits Malawi and Mozambique.