Don’t fear Chipolopolo – Gorowa

ZIMBABWE coach Ian Gorowa has urged the Warriors to discard the fear factor when they face arch-rivals Zambia in this Sunday’s first leg of the last round in the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) last round first leg in Harare.
Gorowa said, having lost twice to Zambia in the last three months, there is need for the Warriors to avoid giving the Chipolopolo too much respect.
Zambia edged Zimbabwe 2-0 in an international friendly at Lusaka’s Nkoloma Stadium on April 28 and by a similar score-line in the Cosafa Castle Senior Challenge Cup final at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on July 20.
Gorowa said his players should strive to win the first leg match comfortably at Rufaro Stadium to make the return fixture a formality.
He was unhappy with the Warriors’ performance in last Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Mauritius in the CHAN return leg in Harare.
Zimbabwe cruised to the last round 4-1 on aggregate having thumped the Islanders 3-0 in Port Louis, but he anticipates a tougher match against Zambia.
“Against Zambia, it will be more difficult because chances will be few. It will be tough against Zambia, but we will have time to watch a video of the match against Mauritius with the players so that they see where they were getting it wrong and how to correct those mistakes.
“It is important that we try to wrap up the match against Zambia at home so that when we play them away we won’t be under any pressure,” Gorowa told the News Day.
Gorowa said that against Mauritius his charges could have won by a cricket margin had they been accurate at goal.
“I had someone doing statistics for me during the match against Mauritius. We had 25 entries into their box and were supposed to score at least five goals, but we managed to score just one goal.
“They tend to play better when playing away from home and perhaps this has something to do with the pressure from the home crowd,” he said.
Gorowa’s preparations for the clash against Zambia have, meanwhile, suffered a setback with four key players – defender Eric Chipeta, midfielders Devon Chafa and Masimba Mambare and striker Tendai Ndoro nursing injuries.
He said despite the injuries the Warriors are in high spirits.
Zimbabwe are seeking a third successive appearance at the CHAN finals since its inauguration in 2009.