By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe Under-23 made a winning start to their campaign for a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with a 2-0 victory over Mauritius in the first leg of their opening Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at the National Sports Stadium on Wednesday.
Goals from England-based forward David Chigwada and Ngezi Platinum midfielder Nisbert Muzenda gave the Young Warriors a comfortable advantage ahead of next week’s return leg in Mauritius.
Chigwada opened the scoring in the 35th minute after Zimbabwe had dominated the opening exchanges, capping an impressive individual display with the breakthrough goal.
The hosts continued to control the contest after the break and were rewarded again when Muzenda doubled their advantage in the 60th minute with a spectacular strike.
Zimbabwe held on to their two-goal cushion to give new coach Marc Sanchez a winning start in his first competitive match in charge of the Young Warriors.
The result leaves Zimbabwe in a strong position heading into the second leg, which will be played in Mauritius on 6 October.
The 2027 Afcon Under-23 tournament serves as the qualification route for the 2028 Olympic Games, with the teams that reach the latter stages of the continental competition securing places at Los Angeles 2028.
Zimbabwe will now look to complete the job in Mauritius, where avoiding defeat would see them advance to the second round against Mali.
The Young Warriors will take a 2-0 lead into the return leg knowing that another disciplined performance would move them closer to their Olympic qualification ambitions.