Shepolopolo soccer team coach Bruce Mwape says it is unacceptable for a nation such as Zimbabwe to fail to raise a team and fulfil an international fixture like the Tokyo 2020 Olympics qualifier.

Mwape’s comments come after Zimbabwe failed to show-up at National Sports Stadium in an Olympic qualifier match despite being hosts.

He told the football association after the match was called off that Zambia would have used the match as a critical factor in preparing for the next round of the qualifiers where Zambia will meet either Botsawana or South Africa.

“It is actually very unfortunate, we were much geared for this game but this kind of arrangement is not acceptable where a nation can fail to raise up a team and fail to fulfil their fixture. They are mentally prepared for next game as they were gunning for a win,” he said.

Zimbabwean women’s football clubs withdrew their players from the national team 24 hours before the match forcing the country to fail to raise a team and finish off the tie against Zambia.
Shepolopolo won the first leg by five goals to nil.