Sanchez foresees tough test but says Young Warriors have done enough to dump Mauritius

Young Warriors coach Marc Sanchez believes his side has done enough to eliminate Mauritius, but foresees a tough test of character as they seek to protect their two-goal lead in Tuesday’s Olympic qualifier return leg in Mauritius.

Zimbabwe registered a convincing 2-0 win at the National Sport Stadium courtesy of goals scored by David Chigwada and Nisbert Muzenda.

But they now face a different challenge on Mauritian soil, where the hosts will have home support behind them as they look to overturn the deficit. The match will be played at the Cote d’Or National Sports Complex.

WHAT MARC  ANCHEZ SAID AHEAD OF MAURITIUS TIE 

Coach Sanchez knows the difficulty of playing away from home and has urged his charges to remain focused.

“We have prepared well during our four days here. Our objective is clear: defend our lead firmly while actively pushing to win the match, just as we did at home,” Sanchez said.

Young Warriors celebrating a goal at the National Sports Stadium. Picture by ZIFA

The Spaniard expects Mauritius to come hard as they chase an early goal, but believes his side is ready for the battle.

“And well, I think it will be a tough match because of course we change now, we’re playing away, it will be a different match. Of course they will try to push us and we’ll try to push them also, so our hope is to do a similar match like in the first round and let’s try to win the match again,” he said.

“Of course playing away is not the same as playing at home, but I think we have very good preparation. We are prepared and knowing that it will be a tough match, we will try to win this match also.”

The Young Warriors will, however, be without several key players who did not travel with the team. Captain Corbin Mthunzi has returned to his parent club Ipswich Town FC, while Highlanders midfielder Prince Ndlovu misses the match through injury.

FC Hunters’ Junior Meya and UK-based forward Kennedy Mupomba have also been left out of the travelling squad.Nevertheless, their absences will provide an opportunity for other members of the squad to step up as Zimbabwe look to protect their two-goal cushion and finish the job away from home.

For the Young Warriors the target is to move a step closer to Los Angeles 2028. If they progress they will face Mali in the next round.

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