Mwana Africa, representing Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederation Cup, lost by a score of 1-0 to Tout Puissant Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the first leg of the third round of the tournament that unfolded Sunday in Kinshasa.
The country's hopes of victory in an international soccer tournament in 2007 are riding on Mwana Africa now that local Premier Soccer League champions Highlanders lost to Al Ahly of Egypt in the Africa Champions League last month.
Mwana Africa has been making great strides in Confederation Cup play despite its inexperience in international tournaments. The team was elevated to the top league only last year after standing out in lower Division One play.
Sports commentator Michael Kariati tells reporter Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that Mwana Africa dominated Sunday's match despite its loss, and could overtake the Congolese in a Harare return match in two weeks.
More reports from VOA's Studio Seven for Zimbabwe...