By Dickson Bandera
The Mighty Warriors’ hopes of qualifying for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for a second time were shattered on Wednesday after a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Angola at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.
Having lost the first leg 2-1 in Luanda, Zimbabwe needed to win the second leg by at least one goal to force extra time. The Mighty Warriors managed to secure a 2-1 victory in regular time, leveling the aggregate score at 3-3. However, the match was decided in a tense penalty shootout, which Angola won 5-4.
Despite a standout performance throughout the match, Zimbabwe goalkeeper Lindiwe Magwede missed her penalty in the shootout, which proved to be the turning point in the game.
Zimbabwe got off to a strong start with goals from Ethel Chinyerere and Christabel Katona, taking a 2-0 lead. However, Angola responded with a goal to make it 2-1, sending the match into extra time and ultimately to penalties.
In the shootout, Nobukhosi Ncube, Mavis Chirandu, Daisy Kaitano, and Yolanda Kanyai all converted their penalties, but it was Magwede’s miss that handed Angola the victory.
