Jairos Tapera
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Young Warriors head for Lobatse, Botswana, by road today for the return leg of their crunch Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations qualifier against the hosts on Friday.
The national Under-20 technical team is bullish ahead of the tie despite losing the first leg 0-1 at Barbourfields Stadium on April 3.
Goitseone Legopelo scored Botswana’s goal through a 67th minute header, leaving the Young Warriors with all to do in Friday evening’s encounter in Lobatse.
The loss was, however, largely attributed to the shambolic preparations the boys were subjected to compared to their opponents who had friendly matches in preparation for the Zimbabwe trip.
Young Warriors’ coach Jairos Tapera, who has 26 players in camp, said they go to Botswana with the sole objective of overturning the one goal deficit to progress to the next round.
“Failure is not an option for us. We are confident of overturning the score line and go on to the next round of the competition,” said Tapera.
The 20th edition of the Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations will be held in Zambia from February 26 to March 12, 2017.
Friday night’s encounter will be handled by Namibian officials, according to the official Caf website.
Jonas Shangedi is the whistle man and will be assisted by Christoff Alfred Vries and Alfeus Shipanga.