The Young Warriors started off their Afcon Under23 qualifying campaign with an away goalless draw against Mozambique on Friday afternoon.

Zimbabwe received a first-round bye, and the encounter was their first as a team in over three years.

The hosts were undoubtedly the better side throughout the game, and they have themselves to blame for missing a trail of chances which could have brought a difference at the end of the game.

Zimbabwean keeper Martin Mapisi also made some great saves which kept the away team in the game. Maritzburg United striker Junior Zindoga was the only visible player up front for the visitors but went quiet in the second period.

The two teams will meet again in the return leg on Tuesday at National Sports Stadium in Harare.

The winner in the tie will face either Angola or South Africa in the final qualifying round to determine who goes through to the finals in Egypt.