HARARE, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwe national soccer team Wednesday left here for Egypt for the African Cup of Nations finals, which start on Friday with the hosts taking on neighbors Libya in the opening match.
Zimbabwe, who lost 1-0 to Morocco in their final preparatory match ahead of the continental showcase will be praying that vice-captain Dumisani Mpofu who was stretchered off the pitch during that match after a knee injury recovers in time for their opening match against Senegal's Teranga Lions on Monday.
Mpofu who plies his trade with South Africa's Umtata Bush Bucks was reported to be recovering from the injury sustained on Saturday.
Zifa vice chairman Wyatt Mpofu, who is the head of delegation, said the Warriors vice-captain was making a speed recovery ahead of the tournament.
"He is recovering and I'm sure by the time the tournament starts he will be fit. But everything will be clear after we see a report from the doctor. He is being attended to by the doctor and we will be in a clearer picture after the report which we expect to be out on Wednesday," said Mpofu.
Wyatt Mpofu confirmed the match against Morocco was Zimbabwe's final preparatory match before the tournament. "We would have wanted to play more matches but this was not possible because of various reasons. From here we are now heading for Egypt. We are no longer going to play another friendly match," said Mpofu.
Zimbabwe would go into the tournament without a win since they started their preparations for the Egypt tournament on December 31. They drew 1-1 with neighbors Zambia in Harare on New Year's Eve before Egypt thrashed them 2-0 in Alexandria.
In France they settled for a 2-2 draw against AJ Auxerre's reserve side before flying to Morocco who beat them 1-0 in their last preparatory match.
The Warriors start their campaign with a showdown against Senegal in Port Said before dating the Super Eagles of Nigeria on January 27 at the same venue.
They will then complete their group match against Ghana's Black Stars on January 31 in Ismailia.
