Zimbabwe’s Under-23 victory over Mauritius has continued to generate excitement among football fans, with supporters calling for the players to be given an opportunity to step up to the senior national team.
The Young Warriors produced a composed performance at the National Sports Stadium on Wednesday, securing a 2-0 first leg victory in their AFCON U23 first-round qualifier.
David Chigwada put Zimbabwe ahead in the 35th minute before Ngezi Platinum midfielder Nisbert Muzenda doubled the advantage in the second half.
The result has prompted renewed debate among fans about the depth of talent available within the Under-23 setup and whether some of the players could eventually make the transition to the senior Warriors.
“Zimbabwe Football Association, we want our U23 to play and represent the senior national team because all those senior players are doing funnies,” said Clarence Chirima.
Another supporter, Madzibaba Evans, was impressed by the hunger shown by the Young Warriors.
“Young Warriors must play for the senior team. They look like they are hungry for goals,” he said.
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The victory also provided a positive beginning for new Under-23 coach Marc Sanchez, who praised his players for controlling the match and limiting Mauritius to just one shot on target.
“I think we have played a very good game. I think we have controlled the match since the first minute to the last minute. I'm so happy with the job that my players have done,” Sanchez said.
The coach, however, was quick to caution against complacency, stressing that the two-goal advantage does not guarantee progression.
“Going with that result to the next match is not a definitive result. So we have to finish the job next season,” he said.
Sanchez’s comments underline the immediate task facing the Young Warriors, who travel to Mauritius for the second leg on October 6.
For some supporters, however, the discussion has already moved beyond the current qualification campaign, with the performances of the young players prompting comparisons with the senior national team.
“These are the Warriors which were supposed to play against DRC guys,” said Darlington Muchineuta.
The Young Warriors will now look to complete the job in Mauritius and keep their Olympic qualification ambitions alive.
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