The two teams played to a 1-1 draw at Rufaro Stadium last week although Owen da Gama’s charges felt hard done by Zambian officials’ handling of the game after awarding the hosts a dubious penalty towards the end of the game with South Africa leading 1-0.
Keagan Dolly had given South Africa a 67th minute lead with a calm finish but with the visitors heading for victory, Zimbabwe received a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty which was converted by Walter Musona on the 83rd minute to restore parity between the two sides.
“We are not going to take anything for granted in the return leg. Yes, we have done half the job but we need to complete the task on Saturday evening,” said da Gama.
As part of their preparations for the Zimbabwe return game, South Africa will play Rwanda in a friendly match at UJ Stadium (next to SABC in Auckland Park) on Tuesday at 19h00 before leaving for KZN to intensify the preparations.