National Sports

Zimbabwe in flying start at Cosafa tourney

Songs and dance marked the 2015 Cosafa Cup start on Sunday when Zimbabwe delivered their strong winning intent when beating Mauritius 2-0 whereas Namibia and Seychelles drew 0-0 at Moruleng Stadium in the North West Province of South Africa.
In the first Group A match, both Namibia and Seychelles used the wings and played long balls with great effect. Seychelles deployed a cautious 4-1-3-2 formation whereas Namibia were home in a conventional 4-4-2 system.

Zimbabwe, previous winners in the same competition kicked off the 2015 tourney on a good note--Pic BBC.Com/BBCSport
Zimbabwe, previous winners in the same competition kicked off the 2015 tourney on a good note–Pic BBC.Com/BBCSport
Namibia started promisingly camping in the opponents half, but could not shoot on target properly. Strikers Neville Tjiueza and Sadney Urikhob’s attempts were either hurried or were thwarted by Seychelles captain Ronny Hoareu-led defence.
Namibia continued to search for the elusive goal after break. In the 63rd minute, Seychelles defender Yannick Manoo cleared off the line Hendrik Somaeb’s shot. Towering Seychelles striker Karl Hall won man-of-the match award.
Then Zimbabwe and Mauritius entered the pitch where, after missing so many chances, Carlos Rusere finally put the Warriors ahead on the 28th minute, when volleying Hardlife Zwirekwi’s cross for the right wing. After break, Ronald Chitiyo added the second on the 59th minute finishing off after Mauritius goalkeeper Jean-Loius had punched an initial attempt.
Zimbabwe coach Saul Chaminuka was nonetheless happy with the result whereas his Mauritius counterpart Didier Six was so mad he refused to grant the media post-match interviews, saying: “Ask Cosafa.”
The Warriors lead Group A with three points whereas Mauritius anchor the group. As we went to press on Monday, Lesotho were hosting Madagascar in a group B match whereas Tanzania faced Swaziland; both games were to be played at Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace.

*Reporting by Peter Kanjere in South Africa.

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