admin
Ajax Cape Town midfielder Khama Billiat reminded many of the days of a young Peter Ndlovu when he provided a fine show at Rufaro yesterday as Zimbabwe registered a seemingly comfortable victory over Angola in a 2013 African Nations Cup final round qualifier, first leg.
The lively winger had a hand in all the three goals scored by Zimbabwe in the first half and received the man-of-the-match accolade in the end.
Zimbabwe and Angola were meeting for the first time in a high profile match since their last match almost seven years ago at the National Sports Stadium.
With more precision and composure, Billiat could have scored a hattrick from the tie where chief striker Knowledge Musona was missing.
Musona could not travel from his base in Germany after Zifa sent in their request for the player late, but in his absence yesterday, Billat led the Warriors’ quest for goals.
Angola pulled an away goal which could be priceless for them in the reserve fixture but for now Zimbabwe have got the advantage and are on the threshold of making their third appearance at the finals.
Zimbabwe, who were pushing for any early goal got the breakthrough in the fourth minute when Archieford Gutu was fouled on the left channel.
From the resultant free kick Billiat whipped the ball into the box and Angolan defender Mateus turned the ball into his own net after poor communication with teammate Bastos.
The own goal calmed the nerves of the hosts who then increased the lead in the 22nd minute when Rodwell Chinyengetere sent a long pass from the right for Billiat.
Billiat skilfully worked his way past defender Dany before slicing the ball past an advancing Lama Luis in goals for Angola.
Zimbabwe then made it 3-0 when Noel Kaseke sent a high ball into the far side where Billiat was lurking unattended.
Billiat sent a high ball into the box for Gutu to angle his header past Lama in the 33rd minute.
Two minutes earlier, Billiat had his effort disallowed after he was caught offside by second assistant referee Alain Rambeloson.
Zimbabwe could have scored another goal in the 18th minute but striker Takesure Chinyama who had made a good run in the box, was dispossessed before he could pull the trigger.
Chinyama, who struggled to stamp his authority, was pulled out for Denver Mukamba as coach Rahman Gumbo sought to add more goals.
Angola had their moments in the first half where they caught the Warriors defence off guard on a few occasions.
The Palancas Negras caused anxious moments for Zimbabwe when Matues worked his way past Esrom Nyandoro on the left before releasing a rising shot that took some paint off the upright with Warriors goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini beaten.
Mateus had another chance to score in the 15th minute but Onismor Bhasera thwarted the raid as he pushed the ball for a corner kick.
Angola, who played at the 2006 World Cup, nearly reduced the arrears just before the break when Amaro created space from the left but Bhasera pushed his effort for another corner kick as Kapini was sprawled on the ground.
Zimbabwe had a lethargic start to the second half in which they failed to continue with their rhythm from the first phase with Gutu making too may stray passes.
But it was in the 50th minute that Billat left a lasting impression at Rufaro when he latched on to a loose ball wide, on the left before easing past Bastos and then waltzed past Fabricia and Lama had to pull a top drawer save to force a corner kick.
By then, Zimbabwe were sitting pretty on a three-goal cushion and the fans did not cry much over the near goal.
Djalima and Manuel, who came soon after the break, kept asking the Warriors defence some questions.
Djalima could have reduced the arrears after being set up by Miguel at the edge of the box but he was a little slow and gave Carlington Nyadombo the opportunity to recover.
For all his probing, Djalima was rewarded when he beat Noel Kaseke and Nyadombo from a sleek move and then pushed the ball past an advancing Kapini in the 58th minute.
The goal by the Angolans sapped all the enthusiasm that the Warriors had shown earlier on and Kapini aggravated his injury from the clash.
The Warriors skipper, who was drafted into the team at the last minute, was attended to by the medical team but he could not continue. He was substituted by Ariel Sibanda.
Angola coach Gustavo Ferrin could be kicking himself for keeping his ace in the pack, Manucho, on the bench until the second half.
But keeping the former Manchester United star on the bench was a blessing in disguise for Rahman Gumbo. “Really, I don’t know why they could keep their star player on the bench. I am happy for the boys as we managed to score three goals past Angola. It’s a great result and we had wanted to guard jealously against conceding a goal.
“But Angola managed to score and it was not a classy goal but a goal is a goal. I think people are aware of the troubles we faced in preparing this team. Before the game I told the guys that this is the chance for some of them to make an impact and be the talisman for the team.
“All we need to do is prepare well for the crucial reverse fixture and that is up to Zifa to work out.
“I think we should avoid conceding any goals in the return leg and at the same time remain offensive,” said Gumbo.
Meanwhile, Warriors’ players are not getting carried away by the win they posted yesterday.
The players who spoke after the match said they believe there is still a lot of work to be done before the return leg next month.
As the players last night received their $75 000 winning bonus from Mbada Diamonds, the firm pledged to do more to help the national team qualify for the tournament which will be held in South Africa next year.
This is what some of them had to say:
Khama Billiat: “We managed to keep sharp in front of goals and utilised chances that came our way although we conceded an away goal but it’s part of the game. There is still a lot of work to be done — we need everyone to stand in his place. We still have another 90 minutes to play in Angola but I think we need to go there more focused and with all things being equal nothing will stop us from qualifying for the Nations Cup. It was a great feeling scoring for my country and I would do whatever it takes to help my country qualify.”
Noel Kaseke: “We are one foot in South Africa but before we could think of that we need to clear the hurdle at hand first. It’s going to be a different game all together in Angola but we need to stay focused like we did today. We showed a lot of character, discipline and wish to win the match though they pressed us in the second half. If we can have the same attitude like today then we can qualify for the Nations Cup.”
Archieford Gutu: “It’s a good result for us and we need to go there and try to get at least one goal to be safe. They will obviously press to turn the tables in the second leg but we just need to stay focused and play our usual game. Everyone needs to be prepared because this is only the first half and in Angola it will be a different game and they will be playing in front of their home crowd. I felt good scoring for my country since it has been long since I scored for the national team but I give credit to the team and the supporters who came to rally behind us.”
Tapuwa Kapini: “It was one of our best games that we have played. I don’t think they can score three goals in their own backyard and if I am fit for the second leg we will win. Going into the match I was 50-50 fit. As you know my country comes first and I am very proud for the contribution that I have made for the game. We just need to go and finish the business in Angola but we need to stay focused and not get carried away by this result. They are a good side but as things stand at the moment we will be in South Africa next year.”
Teams:
Zimbabwe: T. Kapini (A. Sibanda 62nd min), N. Kaseke, O. Bhasera, E. Nyandoro, C. Nyadombo, V. Nyoni, O. Machapa, A. Gutu (N. Maziwisa 58th min), K. Billiat, T. Chinyama (D. Mukamba 32nd min), R. Chinyengetere
Angola: Lama Luis, Fabricia, Lunguianha, Dany (Manuel 46th min), Manucho Diag, Bastos, Amaro, (Djalma 46th min), Miguel, Pirolito, Matues, Nando Rafeal (Manucho 63rd min).
Bunjiwe Mkwananzi