By Steve Vickers BBC Sport, Harare

Sedgeby Sandaka clinched the Warriors' victory with his late goal

Zimbabwe began their final preparations for the 2004 Nations Cup with a 2-0 away win against Botswana in a friendly match played in the city of Selibe Phikwe on Saturday.

Coach Sunday Marimo used a team consisting of locally-based players, and both goals came from players who are not regular national team members.

Midfielder Francis Chandida put the Warriors ahead in the 30th minute with a shot from an acute angle.

The Zebras had an opportunity to equalise just one minute later, but USA-based striker Dipsy Selolwane missed a penalty.

Zimbabwe sealed their victory after Sedgeby Sandaka found the back of the net from close range after 80 minutes.

Although Marimo has named a 45-man provisional squad for the forthcoming Nations Cup finals in Tunisia, no foreign-based players have joined camp, thus giving locally-based players a chance to fight for places in the team.

Striker Agent Sawu, 32, had a good game and will be hopeful of earning a slot in Marimo's final Nations Cup squad, while midfielder Esrom Nyandoro also put in an impressive performance.

The Warriors play further friendlies in Harare against El Salvador on 22 December and against Zambia on 11 January.

Their final warm-up match will be against Nations Cup hosts Tunisia in Sousse on 17 January.

Zimbabwe, who are making their debut appearance in the Nations Cup, are in Group C alongside Algeria, Egypt and defending champions Cameroon.

Botswana failed to reach the 2004 Nations Cup finals, after the Zebras finished bottom in Group 9 of qualifying.