Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NEW Golden Arrows midfielder Jonah Fabisch has identified Manchester City and Egypt forward Omar Marmoush as the most difficult opponent he has faced in his career.
The Zimbabwe international went toe-to-toe with Marmoush during the Warriors’ 2–1 defeat to Egypt in their opening Group B match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Fabisch helped the Warriors frustrate the seven-time African champions for long periods after Prince Dube handed the Warriors a 20th-minute lead at Stade Adrar in Agadir.
Marmoush, however, eventually broke Zimbabwe’s resistance with a powerful finish from a tight angle in the 64th minute before Mohamed Salah struck in stoppage-time to complete Egypt’s comeback.
“The toughest opponent I have faced was Omar Marmoush at the Africa Cup of Nations,” said Fabisch.
“Playing directly against him was a difficult challenge.”
Marmoush registered four shots on target and was named Man of the Match after spearheading Egypt’s fightback.
Fabisch also carried an attacking threat for Zimbabwe, with his first-half header forcing goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy into a save shortly before Dube opened the scoring.
The match marked Fabisch’s first appearance at the continental finals, fulfilling one of his biggest ambitions.
“My favourite moment in football was representing Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said.
The midfielder has now opened a new chapter after joining South African Betway Premiership side Golden Arrows ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 24-year-old arrived as a free agent after leaving German third-tier club Erzgebirge Aue, where his contract expired at the end of last season.
“I am a new player at Golden Arrows, and both the team and I need as much support as possible,” said Fabisch.
“I hope we can enjoy a successful journey together and win as many matches as possible.”
Born in Nairobi, Kenya, on August 13, 2001, Fabisch comes from a strong sporting family. His late father, Reinhard Fabisch, was a respected football coach who previously coached the Zimbabwe senior national team, while his mother represented Zimbabwe in the 100-metre hurdles.
Fabisch started playing football at German club TUS Altenberge and continued his development through the Hamburger SV system. He later represented Hamburger SV II, 1. FC Magdeburg II and Erzgebirge Aue.
The midfielder believes his ability to operate comfortably with either foot is one of the qualities he will bring to Golden Arrows.
“One of my biggest strengths as a player is my ability to use both feet,” he said.
“I believe there are very few players who are as comfortable with both feet as I am.”
Fabisch, who speaks German and English, also revealed that he enjoyed playing alongside Warriors captain Marvelous Nakamba during Zimbabwe’s AFCON campaign.
“It is difficult to single out one favourite Zimbabwe teammate, but I enjoyed playing alongside Marvelous Nakamba in midfield,” he said.
