Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign ended in heartbreak on Monday after a last-minute strike by Hlompho Kalake handed Lesotho a 1–0 victory at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The defeat left the Warriors winless in the group and deepened doubts about their readiness for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in December.
Despite seeing more of the ball and creating better chances, Zimbabwe’s recurring problems in front of goal cost them again. They finished the qualifiers with just five points from 10 matches, scoring five goals and conceding 12, the poorest return in their group.
Among the most frustrated fans was Robert “Robisto” Machovo, who didn’t mince his words.
“Our World Cup qualification campaign was disappointing, to say the least,” he said. “Finishing with just five points in 10 games, including losses to Lesotho both home and away, makes it clear we weren’t competitive enough. I believe this was our worst campaign ever, considering the teams we faced.”
Machovo also questioned the leadership of head coach Michael Nees, whose time in charge has been marked by inconsistency and confusion.
“I’m not convinced that Michael Nees is the right fit. The team seems disjointed, lacking creativity and cohesion,” he said. “If selection is based on performance, it’s hard to justify calling up players like Walter Musona, who’s scored just three goals in our local league.”
With the Warriors drawn in a tough Afcon group, Machovo fears another embarrassment if urgent reforms aren’t made.
Some fans, like Willard Ncube, urged patience while acknowledging the need for quick fixes.
“I think the coach is yet to get his act together when it comes to team selection and combinations. We have good players, but we need a solid team that understands each other. For now, I think we have to stick with Nees. He has no time, but he has to work.”
Allan Ndlovu shared a similar view but stressed the need to back local talent up front.
“The loss to Lesotho showed we need strikers. We dominated but failed to score. The coach must also trust local guys like Washington Navaya and Tymon Machope; they could be the solution to our goal-scoring problems.”
For Mike Tembedza, the problem goes far beyond the technical bench.
“Our main problem in Zimbabwe is not about who is coaching. We lack continuity,” he said. “We need a vibrant junior policy from Under-17 right up to the senior team. Playing home games abroad is another huge disadvantage. At Afcon, I think it will be the same old story. If we can’t beat Lesotho, I don’t see us getting three points. Scoring three goals would be an achievement.”
Not all voices were critical. Brighton Muusha applauded the rebuilding process and the blend of youth and experience.
“The fusion of the aged but experienced and the young and enterprising is commendable. We need to be sharp in front of the goal, but I believe Nees is the right candidate. We stand a very good chance of progressing to the group stages at Afcon.”
Warriors left back Jordan Zemura, who plays for Udinese in Italy, defended Nees after the Lesotho defeat, saying the players must shoulder responsibility.
“It’s not about the coach when you look at this situation,” Zemura said. “You saw the game where we had about 15 chances in front of goal. You can’t point fingers at the coach and ask why we didn’t score. As players, we have to take responsibility.”
Coach Nees admitted after the match that his team lacked a cutting edge and vowed to improve their attacking play ahead of Afcon.
