THE Mighty Warriors left the country on Wednesday for the Africa Women Cup of Nations in Cameroon with striker Rutendo Makore upbeat they will rise above the challenge.

Zimbabwe are in Group A together with hosts Cameroon, Egypt and neighbours South Africa. They will have to finish in the top two in their group to progress to the semi-finals.

The team’s preparations have not be up to scratch as they only got into camp for over a week.

However, Makore said they remain focused.

“Preparations may not have gone the way we want but as players and as a team that want to raise the country’s flag high, we will do our best to make the nation proud.

“Of course it’s always good to prepare in time but sometimes it’s the attitude, the mind, what we think and what we want to achieve at the tournament,” said Makore.

The Mighty Warriors will be based in Yaoundé for their group matches and will meet South Africa in their opening encounter on Saturday. They will then play Egypt on November 22 and Cameroon three days later.

The other hosting City is Limbe.

Defending champions Nigeria, Ghana, Mali and Kenya makes up Group B.

Zimbabwe will be making their fourth appearance at the tournament, formerly known as the Africa Women Championships.

Their best performance was reaching the semi-finals in 2000 when South Africa hosted the competition.

Team

Goalkeepers: Chido Dzingirai, Manyara Mandara, Lindiwe Magwede.

Defenders: Nobuhle Majika, Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri, Eunice Chibanda, Sheila Makoto, Nobukhosi Ncube, Danai Bhobho, Patience Mujuru.

Midfielders: Sifundile Moyo, Marjory Nyaumwe, Talent Mandaza, Emmaculate Msipa, Aldiglade Bhamu, Mavis Chirandu.

Strikers: Maud Mafuruse, Rutendo Makore, Kudakwashe Basopo, Berita Kabwe, Felistas Muzongondi.