Zimbabwe lost 3-2 to Swaziland in their first Group C match at the 2018 COSAFA Under -17 tournament.

The Young Warriors went to the break trailing by two goals, but a spirited second-half performance saw them level terms before conceding late in the game.

Swaziland dominated play in the opening minutes and got their opener through Bandile Shabangu in the 20th minute. Banele Dlamini doubled the lead six minutes later with a well-struck effort which left the keeper with no chance.

Zimbabwe were forced to make a change before the interval, replacing Tanaka Element Matenga with Cossam Junior Bandason.

The Young Warriors started the second period brightly and got the breakthrough on the hour courtesy of Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya’s finish. It didn’t last long before they grabbed an equaliser five minutes later when John Bonomali netted a brilliant strike.

Though the match seemed to head for a draw, Shabangu emerged from nowhere and beat the keeper to restore the lead with four minutes to play.

The youngster went on to receive the Man of the match award, thanks to his brace on the day.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will play Malawi on the 23rd of July.