Zimbabwe winger Talent Chawapiwa believes the Warriors’ formidable fire power can ‘punish’ Liberia in their own backyard when the two teams clash in Sunday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Zimbabwe head to Monrovia with their confidence high after collecting an improbable four points from last month’s double-header against the Democratic Republic of Congo to put a firm grip on Group G.
They now enjoy a comfortable three-point lead over second-placed DRC, and the unbeaten Warriors can secure a second consecutive AFCON qualification with victory over bottom-placed Liberia.
A draw could even see Sunday Chidzambwa’s men through should Congo-Brazzaville lose at home to the DRC in the other Group G fixture.
Chawapiwa is hoping that the quality of attacking options at Chidzambwa’s disposal can help Zimbabwe return home with at least a point.
“I know it’s going to be difficult because Liberia play well at home,” Chawapiwa told They have not lost at home during these qualifiers, so it’s not going to be easy for us,” Chawapiwa told KweséESPN.
“We have nothing to worry about because we are leading the group. All we need is to go there, and fight for at least a point.
“Our strength is in playing attacking football because we have fast, talented players upfront, and that is our biggest weapon,” he added. “We can move the ball fast and attack at pace.
“I hope we can use that to punish Liberia on Sunday.”
Chawapiwa will also hope to have done enough in the 1-1 draw against the DRC in Harare last month to retain his place in the starting line up, although Chidzambwa has a broader selection base this time around, with captain Knowledge Musona returning after serving his one-match suspension.
Khama Billiat is also in the mix, while Tino Kadewere and Evans Rusike have recovered from injury to pose a selection headache for the Chidzambwa. Bidvest Wits forward Terence Dzukamanja has been left out after a mild back complaint.
Chawapiwa had his first AFCON start in the 1-1 draw at home to DRC, and it was his impressive run down the right wing which created Zimbabwe’s stunning second-minute opener after Billiat scrambled home the winger’s teasing cross.
Chawapiwa has made tremendous progress over the past year or so, clearly profiting from an extended spell of fitness after shaking off the niggling injuries which had pegged him back across several seasons.
However, the 26-year-old, who marries some searing pace with exquisite skill and precise passing, is also quick to credit the coaches who have been giving him the opportunities to flourish.
“It’s all about being surrounded by the right people, and being coached by the right coaches, coaches who give you confidence, and who are able to use the strength that you have as a player,” he concluded. “I think it has worked well for me.”