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Caps star makes Warriors debut

Sport
The Warriors are in the driving seat to book a place in the semi-finals, but conversely, could yet fail to reach the knockout stages.

Warriors coach Jairosi Tapera has made three changes to his team to face Kenya in the Cosafa Cup Group B final match set for Wolfson Stadium this afternoon.

Kick-off is 12pm.

Winger Michael Tapera who has been Zimbabwe's most outstanding player at this tournament, scoring two goals in each of the team's previous two matches, is named on the bench.

The Manica Diamonds star is one yellow card away from suspension, which could have informed the decision by the technical team to bench the team's star player.

Tinotenda Meke, another player who is having a good tournament, has also been named on the bench, and so is Jean Mutudza.

They have been replaced in the starting eleven by Kingsley Mureremba who is set for his Warriors debut, Washington Mapuwa and Panashe Mutimbanyoka.

The Warriors who are on 6 points after beating Comoros and Zambia in their opening two matches, have to avoid a defeat against the tournament guest nation Kenya to finish as group leaders, a result which would guarantee Zimbabwe's qualification to the semifinals.

Kenya, on three points, have to win the match to secure their place in the last four.

The Warriors are in the driving seat to book a place in the semi-finals, but conversely, could yet fail to reach the knockout stages.

That is because there could be three teams on six points in Group B come the end of play and that will require some calculations.

If Kenya beat Zimbabwe and Comoros do likewise to already ousted defending champions Zambia in another group B match which will be played concurrently, then there would be a trio of teams level at the top on six points.

It will then come down to points in matches between them, then goal-difference and if that fails to separate the teams, goals scored.

Only the top team in each of the three pools and the best placed runner-up advance to the semifinals.

Warriors starting XI against Kenya

R Pitisi, E Jalai, F Banda, M Hativagoni, G Murwira, R Hachiro, K Mureremba, M Mushore, W Mapuwa, P Mutimbanyoka, T Benhura.

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