MUSONA THE HERO

Sports Reporter

Zimbabwe…………………………………………… (0) 3

Namibia……………………………………….…… (0) 1

IN the week that his brother Knowledge dominated headlines, Walter Musona transformed himself into the toast of the Warriors last night with a brace that earned Zimbabwe back-to-back victories over Namibia in their 2025 AFCON qualifying matches at Orlando Stadium in South Africa.

The younger Musona showed great technique when he flighted the ball over badly exposed goalkeeper Edward Maova, just five minutes after the restart, as the Warriors pumped in three goals in the second half.

Zimbabwe consolidated second place in Group J.

Prince Dube came in late on and added the third goal in the 89th minute.

The Namibians still had time to get a consolation courtesy of substitute Godwin Eiseb, on the stroke of full-time.

But the Warriors celebrations were not dampened by the goal as Zimbabwe brightened their chances of qualifying for the next AFCON edition to be held in Morocco next year.

The victory came just hours after Group J leaders Cameroon had also claimed a double over Kenya to take their points tally to 10.

They became the first team from the group to secure their place at next year’s continental football jamboree.

With eight points in the bag, the Warriors now have one foot in the 2025 AFCON edition as they need to avoid defeat against the Kenyans when they meet next month.

Kenya are third in the group standings with four points, following the back-to-back losses to five-time champions Cameroon.

Namibia, with four defeats from as many games, are eliminated from the qualifying matrix, with two rounds of play left.

Zimbabwe yesterday made a giant leap towards a return to the continental football jamboree.

They were unconvincing in the first game against the Namibians last Thursday when they scrapped a 1-0 win.

The spotlight was on Michael Nees and his charges yesterday as they enjoyed the warm backing of vociferous Zimbabwean fans who thronged Orlando Stadium last night.

After a goalless first half, in which the Namibians dominated possession with 58 percent to Zimbabwe’s 42, the Warriors turned things around after the break.

Musona beat retreating goalkeeper Maova with a beautiful lob in the 50th minute after the Brave Warriors had lost the ball in their own half.

Then Jordan Zemura, who was a handful on the left side, worked his magic inside the box and unleashed a rising shot that was blocked by a Namibia defender’s ha

The referee pointed to the spot.

Musona made no mistake when beating Maova with a powerful hit.

Teams

Zimbabwe

W. Arubi, G. Murwira, G. Takwara, B. Galloway (T. Hadebe, 25th min), J. Zemura, A. Rinomhota, M. Munetsi, K. Billiat (T. Maswanhise, 65th min), W. Musona (P. Dube, 80th min, D. Mapfumo (D. Lunga, 65th min), T. Dzvukamanja (R. Hachiro, 80th min).

Namibia XI

E. Maova, C. Hambira, V. Kamberipa, Hanamub (G. Eiseb, 85th min), A. Petrus, D. Hotto, B. Nashisxwa (V. Ngaruka, 85th min), K. Amutenya (P. Shidolo, 63rd min), P. Tjijeza, P. Shalulile (E. Kalula, 63rd min), M. Muzeu.