Online Reporter
Mugove Chigada
Warriors coach Michael Nees says Washington Arubi’s howler in the 2-2 draw with Benin in a Group C World Cup Qualifier at Moses Mabhida last night was normal, but destiny for the goalkeeper after that “doesn’t look good”.
After going down 2-0 in the first half, Marshal Munetsi and Knowledge Musona’s goals kept hopes alive, but the final whistle meant the Warriors are on the brink.
Although the players have been credited for fighting valiantly after going down 2-0, leaving an impression difficult to ignore, Arubi’s blunder can still be remembered as the moment that crushed the nation’s dreams.
“Washington’s mistake, yes. I know big goalkeepers made Champions League mistakes in the semi-finals or World Cup finals, big goalkeepers. Unfortunately for a goalkeeper, when you make a mistake, the destiny doesn’t look good,” said Nees.
The Warriors were forced to turn to the veteran after some of the upcoming goalkeepers failed to cement a place in the team.
And Arubi was crucial in the team’s qualification for the AFCON finals, only for Thursday night’s horror show to overshadow that.
The impression given so far is that Arubi may need to go on his knees for Coach Nees’ second chance.
Questions have been raised as to whether the shot-stopper will be able to retain his place, but the coach has indicated he wants to pick up the pieces and build on the positives ahead of the Nigeria showdown on Tuesday.
He has allowed himself to dream.
“You never know what’s going on with the second place play-off, how many points the second position needs. And there are some groups with just four teams. The matches against those in positions five and six will not be counted. Nobody can predict anything,” said Nees.
