HARARE - Zimbabwe under 17 made life difficult for themselves in their quest for Under-17 African Youth Championship qualification after falling at home to Congo Brazzaville under 17 in the first leg of the second round yesterday.

Congolese captain Binduka Handy led from the front, thrusting his side into the lead after 25 minutes before Tinotenda Kadewere levelled matters with a spectacular effort outside the box in the 51st minute.

Second half substitute Obasi Ngatsoko ensured the 2011 Under-17 African Championships bronze medallists come away with what could prove to be a crucial away victory after his powerful close range effort gave Zimbabwe goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva no chance.

The Young Warriors had begun the match with intent and looked comfortable playing in the rain that pounded Harare yesterday afternoon and created a slippery surface on the Rufaro turf.

It was however the Congo Brazzaville outfit who threatened early on with the lanky Handy winning many aerial tussles, but finding Mukuruva resolute for Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s raids into the central Africans half was subdued by over-elaboration with Kadewere and captain Carlos Mavurusa being the chief culprits.

Kangou Rowel’s long range effort in the 29th minute was spectacularly turned away for a corner by Mukuruva as Congo continued to threaten after Handy had put the side into the lead in the opening quarter of the match.