Mighty Warriors beat Zambia in the first leg of the final round of the 2018 AWCON Qualifiers at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka, Zambia.

Rutendo Makore scored the all-important goal to give Zimbabwe an advantage ahead of the return fixture to be played on Sunday. The 25-year-old striker had missed the national team’s back-back clashes against Namibia in the previous round due to injury.

The home team were the first to get chance on goal, but goalkeeper Chido Dzingirai denied Prisca Chilufya in the 10th minute. Zimbabwe only responded eight minutes later when Makore put the visitors in front.

Mary Mwakapila could have equalised towards half-hour mark, but she failed to direct her effort on target.

Zimbabwe held on to their lead until the final whistle as they took a step towards the qualification for Ghana 2018 AWCON finals.

Result:
Zambia 0-1 Zimbabwe