Mugove Chigada in YAOUNDE, Cameroon
WARRIORS coach Ramon Catala believes his charges can improve and fight for a win at the National Sports Stadium on Monday.
The Warriors need six points from their upcoming home games against Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone to qualify for the 2027 AFCON finals.
A goalless draw against Equatorial Guinea in Yaounde, Cameroon yesterday kept the Warriors in second place with four points from three games.
Equatorial Guinea also have four points but lie in third place on goal difference while the DRC are runaway leaders of the group with a 100 percent record after three games.
DRC beat Sierra Leone 3-1 in Group E’s other match yesterday condemning their opponents to a third successive defeat, which all but eliminates them from contention.
The game in Cameroon was open, especially in the second half with Equatorial Guinea enjoying the better of exchanges.
“Sometimes the opponent comes playing good football and today was such a day,” Catala said.
It was a match in which goalkeeper Nelson Chadya was the hero for the Warriors.
Even the opposition admitted the Scottland goalkeeper had made the difference.
It was at the start of the second half that the Warriors could have dropped all three points.
Catala was even forced to withdraw Tawanda Chirewa for Emmanuel Jalai, with Andy Rinomhota moved into midfield.
“We need greater control in the midfield,” he said. Right from the start, there was a cautious opening from both teams, with Equatorial Guinea creating the first clear chance.
Just before the final minute, Marshal Munetsi made a last-gasp clearance that stopped what had looked an obvious goal.
The Warriors pressed from the front to force the home side into mistakes, and Tino Kadewere committed a foul in the process.
By the 13th minute, Equatorial Guinea were trying to hit Zimbabwe on the break, but found Corbin Mthunzi and Kevin Moyo solid.
Kadewere was then brought down in the centre after coming to receive the ball, with neither side enjoying a clear-cut advantage in the opening minutes.
After 20 minutes, Dorian Meha was brought down for Equatorial Guinea and they took a quick free-kick. They ended up losing possession, however, and Zimbabwe were quickly on the counter.
A dangerous free-kick from Pablo then went out for a corner, which Zimbabwe cleared away. Four minutes later, Tawanda Chirewa broke forward for the Warriors and his effort missed by inches after coming in from the right.
At the other end, Chadya was immediately called into action to make a save. On the half-hour mark, Equatorial Guinea were looking very dangerous on the break, with Dorian and Lorenzo asking all kinds of questions.
Munetsi and Nakamba needed to stamp their authority in the middle of the park. Chirewa released Kadewere, but the ball was too strong for what could have been a big chance.
It was end-to-end action, with Zimbabwe clearing immediately after another counter. On 36 minutes, Munetsi stopped Alejandro in the middle of the pitch as he tried to control the game.
Equatorial Guinea were awarded the free-kick and the Warriors vice-captain escaped a yellow card.
The home side then began overloading their left side, leaving Rinomhota to deal with two men as they searched for an opener.
