National Under 23 side coach Tonderai Ndiraya admitted that yesterday’s game against Mozambique was difficult for them especially in the first half where the visitors controlled much of the possession.

Two late goals by substitutes Obriel Chirinda and Delic Murimba sent the Young Warriors into the final round of the Afcon qualifiers, setting up a date against South Africa who beat Angola in the second round.

Chirinda, who plays for Chicken Inn, struck in the 87th minute, five minutes after coming in while Murimba sealed it with his second touch of the game in the added time.

“I think they controlled the first half, we had to let them do that, I thought our boys struggled with basics in the first half,” Ndiraya said in a post-match interview.

“But I thought we came back second half a little bit changed, especially after the introduction of the three substitutes, Anelka Chivandire, Obriel Chirinda and Delic Murimba. So we started controlling the match.

“If you are not fit then it’s difficult for you to apply basic things. That’s the reason why I have said it was difficult for us because our league here is not active.”

The first leg ended in a goalless draw and Ndiraya’s charges had dull moments throughout the game where they never showed any intention on goal.

The match against South Africa will be played during the 3-11 June international break.