Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
A sluggish start and lapses in concentration are giving Warriors head coach Michael Nees plenty to think about.
This comes after Zimbabwe suffered a 2-0 loss to Burkina Faso in an international friendly played last Friday at Stade El Bachir Mohammedia in Morocco.
The Warriors conceded both goals inside the first half, first in the 23rd minute through Wydad AC midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki, then again six minutes later courtesy of Cyriaque Irie, prompting Nees to raise concerns about his team’s mental sharpness from the opening whistle.
“We played quite a strong side, but we didn’t play the way we wanted,” said Nees.
“We had four players earning their first caps. There were many players we hadn’t seen before. I was really satisfied with our second half performance, but as a coach, you’re never happy with a loss. You don’t want to lose.”
While Nees praised forward Tino Kadewere for an impressive and unexpectedly full 90 minute shift, he emphasised that strong individual displays cannot make up for collective lapses, especially early in games.
“I think Tino played very strongly. I didn’t expect him to last 90 minutes, my plan was to have him for 60,” said Nees.
“Khama (Billiat) was fouled six or seven times and we had to take him off. But Tino gave us a sign that he’s still in good shape.
He showed real quality. It was convincing.”
Nees acknowledged that Burkina Faso named a near full strength squad, while Zimbabwe opted for a more experimental line-up as part of efforts to broaden the national player pool. Even so, he stressed that the team’s chronic lack of focus early on remains a problem.
“I think that was 90 percent of Burkina Faso’s best team. We had many new players, we wanted to expand our pool, but we must change our attitude and concentration at the start of matches. It’s something that keeps hurting us,” he said.
In the 63rd minute, Zimbabwe made a triple substitution, introducing Tawanda Macheke, Sean Fusire, and Daniel Msendami for Billiat, Mason Mushore, and Tawanda Maswanhise. Despite the fresh legs, the Warriors couldn’t find a way back into the match as the West Africans stood firm.
The result means Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso are now level in their head to head record, with each side winning two of their five meetings.
With another friendly scheduled for Tuesday against Niger, Nees will be hoping for a sharper start and a more disciplined, focused performance from the first whistle. — @FungaiMuderere
