ZIMBABWE play host to Namibia in a make-or-break African Nations Championships (CHAN) second leg soccer match at the National Sports Stadium (NSS) on Sunday.
The reverse fixture comes seven days after the 0-1 loss the Warriors suffered at the hands of Brave Warriors of Namibia through a solitary strike by Hendrik Somaeb.
Zimbabwe were the favourites to come out victors following a good show they displayed in the just-ended Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) in South Africa where they clinched gold.
The bulk of the eligible players from COSAFA squad were conscripted into the team, but they found the going tough in Namibia.
However, Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa hopes for better fortunes in the return leg in Harare.
Using home advantage and some changes to the team, the former Zimbabwe international hopes the team will thrash the Brave Warriors.
Zimbabwe has made four consecutive appearances at CHAN.
The team that wins the two-legged fixture proceeds to the last qualifying round and Zimbabwe, considering its depth and form, has a chance to make another appearance.
The last edition of CHAN was held in SA where a number of Zimbabwean players secured contracts.
Warriors number one, George Chigova, moved down south after the CHAN together with Partson Jaure, Simba Sithole, Milton Ncube and Peter ‘Rio’ Moyo, among others.
Chidzambwa has roped in Ronald Chitiyo who missed the first leg due to family commitments, goalkeeper Petros Mhari, Simon Munava and Leeroy Mavunga.
On paper, Zimbabwe have the players with potential to overturn the 0-1 score line.
Ocean Mushure, who made a name for himself at COSAFA, is likely to marshal the left back position while experienced Ncube might be roped in on the right.
In the midfield might be Highlanders anchorman Munava or Devon Chafa who is equally good.
Liberty Chaloroma, who is having it good at Ngezi Platinum Stars, might be another gem to be unleashed on the Brave Warriors.
For creativity, Chitiyo, Denver Mukamba and Raphael Manuvire are options for Chidzambwa.
Chitiyo and Manuvire played together at Harare City while Chitiyo and Mukamba were teammates at Dynamos.
CAPS United striker Abbas Amidu’s fast pace might be needed, while his forcefulness is likely to earn him a place in the starting 11.
Gangly Fransisco Zekumbawire and Prince Dube are the other options for Chidzambwa.
CHAN was introduced in 2009 as an all-Africa tournament for locally-based players.
To our players we say, Go Warriors Go!