adminFrom Chipo Sabeta in CAIRO, Egypt
Warrior’s defender Tendayi David Darikwa, believes Zimbabwe has enough quality players to make their mark at the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite being the lowest ranked country in Group A.
The Zimbabwe Warriors will face hosts Egypt in the tournament opener and the encounter will be played at the 80 000-seater Cairo International Stadium in the Egyptian capital tonight. (Kick-off is at 10pm Zimbabwean time).
The Nottingham Forest defender, who is motivated by the prospects of playing at his first AFCON, said whilst the world is underrating them, there is a possibility of surprising tournament favourites and giants.
“We are all motivated and I believe this is an opportunity to showcase our play and country. There is huge potential in this team, lots of good players, so I think we will leave a mark. Whilst others think we are far from being the favourites to top our group, anything can happen in football.
“However, reality is that we are not ranked at the same level with Egypt, Uganda and DR Congo. DR Congo have a strong team and they know what to expect from us following the qualifiers clash,” Darikwa said.
The host nation, who are staging it for the fifth time, are favoured not only to top Group A, but to go on and lift the trophy, a record-extending eighth time.
They won in 1959, 1986 and 2006 and finished third in 1974 after coming up short in a five-goal semifinal thriller against World Cup-bound Zaire (now DR Congo).
Liverpool star, Mohamed Salah’s presence is something that can’t be ignored by Sunday Mhofu Chidzambwa’s back line.
The Friday’s clash will be the second meeting between the two sides at an Afcon tournament, having faced each other in the 2004 edition in Tunisia where the North Africans emerged the winners.
Darikwa, an attack-minded fullback said they won’t be focusing much on the Egyptian records but will play to the best of their ability as Zimbabwe is aiming to progress from the group stages for the first time in the country’s history.
“It is an honour to be here and I am excited the AFCON is a big tournament all over the world. I believe every player is focused and we have to give our best. We don’t want to lose focus by comparing ourselves. We are here to do our best. Our initial target is to pass out from the group stages for the first time,” he added.
Meanwhile, the continental showcase could be a defining moment for the player especially if they progress from the group stages.
Only nine players were retained from the Kalisto Pasuwa coached side that campaigned at the last continental edition in Gabon, but this time around the entire squad is drawn from talent plying their trade outside the country.
For the first time, 24 countries will be competing at arguably the best footballing fiesta on the African continent.
Cameroon are defending champions, having triumphed during the last event hosted by Gabon in 2017.
Egypt will use six stadia to host this biennial championship.
Cairo International Stadium, Air Force Stadium, Port Said Stadium, Ismailia Stadium, Suez Sport Stadium and Alexandria Stadium will be used.
Bongani Ndlovu