ZIMBABWE’S senior women’s team, the Mighty Warriors entertain the female Zebras of Botswana in the African Women Championship (AWC) qualifier match on Sunday.
The match will be played at the ceremonial home of football, Rufaro Stadium and Zimbabwe carry a one-goal cushion into the second leg.
Erina Jeke’s second half header made the difference a fortnight ago at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks Stadium in Botswana.
Thirty minutes into the second half, Jeke struck the nets.
Zimbabwe have enjoyed an upper hand against their western neighbours.
On head-to-head statistics, Zimbabwe have won more matches than their Botswana counterparts.
If Zimbabwe win the two ties, they will meet the winner of the match between Zambia and Tanzania.
Zambia won the first leg 2-1 at home.
The match may go either way as Tanzania need to win 1-0 at home to progress on away goals rule.
The next round of qualifiers will be the last stage before Zimbabwe make history at the women’s continental tournament.
Zimbabwe’s international friendlies against Egypt paid off as the team managed to beat the female Zebras in their own backyard.
Zimbabwe played two friendly matches in Egypt in their preparations for the tie against Botswana.
Despite having been dormant in the game, the Mighty Warriors put up a spirited performance in the match and scored a crucial away goal.
It means Batswana will have an uphill task to proceed to the next stage of qualifiers.
The Felistas Muzongondi-captained side will need to impress their legion of fans at the Mighty Warriors’ favourite hunting ground.
The AWC matches are important as the Mighty Warriors are aiming to secure a berth at the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada.
The qualifying criterion is the AWC where top three teams will represent the continent.
The AWC will be hosted by Namibia in October this year.
Marjory Nyaumwe, Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri, Violet Bepete, Talent Mandaza and Muzongondi are some of the regulars expected to form the nucleus of the Zimbabwe team.