Chronicle EditorInnocent Kurira, [email protected]
WARRIORS utility player Jordan Zemura has called on Zimbabwean fans to come in numbers for this evening’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
With the Warriors facing a must-win scenario, Zemura highlighted the important role the fans’ will play in this game, especially given the team’s challenging position in the group.
“We urge fans to come down in their numbers and support the Warriors,” said Zemura, knowing that the energy of the fans could provide the extra motivation needed to push the team to victory.
“We are hoping to see you guys at the stadium. We hope for the same support as we had in Johannesburg and Polokwane,” said Zemura.
“They have several players enjoying good form at the different top leagues across the world including Germany, Bundesliga, which is undoubtedly one of the best leagues on the planet. You have to respect those players and the team in general,” said Zemura.
Both teams are coming into the match buoyed by their successful qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals.
However, with Zimbabwe sitting at the bottom of Group C with just two points from four matches, this fixture is crucial if the Warriors are to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
With only six matches remaining in the campaign, the Warriors will need to secure as many points as possible, starting with this clash against Benin.
The Warriors have reason to be optimistic, especially with the return of former captain Knowledge Musona, who is rejoining the national team after a three-year hiatus.
Coach Michael Nees will bank on the likes of Zemura, Marshall Munetsi, Tawanda Maswanhise, Prince Dube and Tawanda Chirewa for this difficult task.
Benin, under coach Gernot Rohr, will provide tough competition. Despite missing key players like Aiyegun Tosin and Cédric Hountondji due to injury, they still boast a strong squad. Young talents such as 19-year-old Candas Fiogbé, who has been in excellent form for Atalanta’s U-19 team, and seasoned players like striker Steve Mounié and midfielder Sessi D’Almeida, will be crucial for Benin’s push for victory.
After this game, Zimbabwe will travel to Nigeria to face the three-time African champions on March 25.
The Warriors are counting on the support of their fans home away from home to help propel them towards a vital victory.
Goalkeepers
Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford), Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC)
Imvimbi: Jordan Zemura (Udinese), Divine Lunga (Sundowns), Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen, Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora), Peter Muduhwa (Scottland), Godknows Murwira (Scottland), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos)
Midfielders
Marshall Munetsi (Wolves ), Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City), Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), Mihood), Tawanda Chirewa (Hudders filli TScottand), Knowledge Musona (Al-Okhdood), Tawanda Chirewa (Huddersfield Town)
Strikers
Prince Dube (Young Africans), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Supersport United), Tymon Machope (Scottland), Walter Musona (Scottland)
-@innocentskizoe
Online Reporter