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. Fungai Muderere
ZIMBABWE Warriors became the first team to get the better of highly fancied Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at home in four years since the latter lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast back in 2014.
Weighty favourites to win Group G, the DRC were hugely expected to make light work of Warriors, in the back-to-back 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals, that were played last Saturday and on Tuesday.
Showcasing some of the best talent in African soil, with a roster headlined by the speedy and tricky Aston Villa winger Yannick Bolasie, who was returning to the squad after an injury layoff, West Ham full back Arthur Masuaku, Stoke City forward Benik Afobe, China-based Cedric Bakambu and former Chelsea protégé, Gael Kakuta, DRC coach Florent Ibenge was expected to see his charges easily roll past Sunday Chidzambwa’s men.
However, deep in the cauldron of Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, the Warriors had other thoughts as they beat their hosts 1-2 last Saturday courtesy of two beautiful goals by left back Ronald Pfumbidzai and evergreen captain Knowledge Musona.
The hosts got a consolation goal from their star striker Bolasie in injury time in a game where a 10-man Warriors side produced one of the biggest upsets to beat Africa’s third ranked team, which had successfully guarded against suffering a home loss in the past four years.
In their previous meeting in Kinshasa, in a 2002 Afcon qualifier played in 2001 DRC beat Zimbabwe 2-1 while in the first leg tie the Warriors who were interestingly under the guidance of Sunday Chidzambwa’s brother Misheck, handed their opponents a 3-2 defeat.
On Tuesday night at a packed National Sports Stadium, Warriors midfield magician, Khama Billiat, placed Zimbabwe into the lead under two minutes from the start.
This was before a defensive blunder by Teenage Hadebe that saw him turn the ball into his own nets in a desperate effort to clear a cross from DRC’s Issama Mpeko.
Veteran soccer commentator Charles “CNN” Mabika reckoned Billiat’s goal, which took many by surprise, was Warriors’ fastest goal ever.
“It was the fastest goal ever by the Warriors. I also think it’s the fastest goal ever in a Caf competition. It actually took everyone by surprise as it came from a move that only included four players, George Chigova, Tendai Darikwa, Talent Chawapiwa, Knox Mutizwa and Billiat,” said Mabika.
Online Reporter