Tadious Manyepo in Francistown, Botswana

ZIMBABWE Senior Men’s football team, The Warriors, walk into tonight’s final with a chance to end a seven-year wait for a silverware and the challenge is for the players to up the game.

Zimbabwe take on Zambia at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium this evening chasing a first trophy since the 2018 Cosafa Cup and kick off is 6pm . For a team still finding its shape under Marian “Mario” Marinica, this is more than just another final. It is a measure of whether the progress seen in recent weeks can hold under pressure.

Marinica has pushed an attacking approach since taking over in November, and the return has been clear. Zimbabwe have scored in every match under him. He wants tempo, width and numbers going forward, and he has stuck with it.

“My philosophy is to play fast and attacking football. We want to score because if you don’t score, you don’t win,” he said.

Zambia will test that approach. Marinica watched their semi-final win over Malawi and came away with respect for their structure and movement.

“They have width, they are organised and they are difficult to play against. We expect a tough match, but we believe we can win,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s route to the final was more straightforward. They beat Botswana 3-0 with control and clarity. Zambia needed penalties to get past Malawi after a draining contest that went the distance.

The build-up has not been smooth for the Warriors. Teenage Hadebe misses the final after a disciplinary issue, while Munashe Garananga is also set to sit out through injury. Marinica has had to adjust his back line, likely turning to Isheanesu Mauchi, Shane Maroodza and Gerald Takwara.

The rest of the side carries a familiar look. Marvelous Nakamba and Jonah Fabisch will sit in front of the defence, with Godknows Murwira and Emmanuel Jalai expected to stretch play and recover when needed.

Further forward, Mongameli Tshuma has been the standout player in the tournament and keeps the creative role. Bill Antonio operates close to Macauley Bonne, who leads the line.

Despite the disruptions, the mood in camp has held. Players were relaxed in their final session, and Corbin Mthunzi has since linked up with the squad after missing the semifinal due to passport issues.

Nakamba says the group understands what tonight represents.

“We are playing for the country. We have to make people happy. The mentality is good and we are ready,” he said.

Zambia are not coming to make up numbers. Coach Oswald Mutapa and captain Golden Mashata have both backed their side to take the trophy.

Zimbabwe believe they have enough and Zambia believe the same.

By the end of the night, only one of those positions will stand.

Probable XI

Elvis Chipezeze, Emmanuel Jalai, Isheanesu Mauchi, Gerald Takwara, Shane Maroodza, Godknows Murwira, Marvelous Nakamba, Jonah Fabisch, Mongameli Tshuma, Bill Antonio, Macauley Bonne