By Reason Wafawarova
Zimbabwe made the Grand Finals in all three age group categories of the NSW Africa Cup of Nations 2023 where 10 countries participated.
It was a super hot Saturday this 9th of December, and the 14s and 15s were forced to play simultaneously and starting times were moved to 8am instead of 9am. Even with that change temperatures were already around 29°C at 8am.
The 14s led South Africa 2 nil until late in the second half when South Africa equalised and quickly took a 2-1 lead.
Zimbabwe then introduced Harry Shekdrake who had just came off the 15s match where he was playing up with 8 minutes to go.
He set up the second goal for Zimbabwe before he quickly scored the winner within 3 minutes of coming on.
The Zimbabwe 15s led South Sudan 2nil until the last minute of the match when the Sudanese got a consolation goal.
Zimbabwe missed 8 regular starters for 17s and were forced to start Taro Wafawarova the 15s Captain who had just played a full match for his team in the 36°C heat.
The depleted Zimbabwe were no match for the highly organised South Africans who thumped them 6 nil in the first half before the match off at 41°C, mutually awarding the Championship to South Africa.
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