Nothing Left to Chance Against Ghana

Zimbabwe are hoping to boost their chances of reaching a maiden African Nations Cup finals by inviting 14 foreign-based players for the qualifying tie against Ghana on June 3 in Harare.

To end the Nations Cup jinx, Zimbabwe must win and coach Mishek Marimo has opted for experience by recalling four players, including midfielder Kennedy Chihuri of Vitoria Zizkov in the Czech Republic.

Experience will also be drawn from the South Africa-based legion, Gilbert Mushangazhike and Kaitano Tembo. Zimbabwean Footballer of the Year Zenzo Moyo, who plays for Paphos Athletic in Cyprus has also been included in the squad to be led by captain Peter Ndlovu.

Chihuri has helped Zizkov to the final of the Czech FA Cup where they are to meet league champions Sparta Prague on May 28, while Mushangazhike is the leading scorer in South Africa with 20 goals. Tembo has not played for the Warriors since he was involved in a road accident in November, while Moyo last played for Zimbabwe in the Warriors 2-1 home defeat by Lesotho on January 14.

Next week, the foreign-based players will be joined by 18 home-based, who are already in camp.

Coach Marimo said: "I believe the four players we have recalled will help to strengthen the side. Our chances of making it to the finals of the Nations Cup in Mali are very bright, and we need to keep the fire burning."

Zimbabwe have a slim chance to outstage South Africa for a place in next year's World Cup finals, following a 2-1 defeat in a qualifying tie on May 6, so attention as noe been shifted to Mali 2002.

Ghana defeated Zimbabwe 4-1 in Accra earlier in the qualifiers. Zimbabwe have six points and are second behind the Black Stars who have seven. The other teams in the group are Lesotho on five points and Congo Democratic Republic with three.