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ZIMBABWE were yesterday left staring an early exit from the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament after ZIFA’s decision to experiment with a young and inexperienced team in the first-round qualifier against Eswatini back-fired following a rare defeat at the hands of their Southern African opponents.
The Warriors, who were technically the home team at the Obed Chilume Itani Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, were left licking their wounds after succumbing to a brace from Junior Magagula’s brace and another strike from Sifiso Matse in the first half.
It was also a bitter defeat for ZIFA especially coming against their former employee Zdravko Logarusic, who had a rather forgettable stint as Zimbabwe coach between January 2020 and September 2021 when the Croat was eventually fired.
Loga could have drawn much satisfaction from the result, considering Eswatini last posted a win against Zimbabwe more than 20 years ago.
This was also the first time Eswatini scored three goals since he took over the job at the end of August.
Just like his stint with the Warriors, Loga had a disastrous start after he was handed the Eswatini reins in the 2025 AFCON campaign where he has managed a single point from four qualifying games. But with Zimbabwe opting to deploy rookies, most of whom were getting a senior team call-up for the first time, Loga, who called on his regular Nations Cup squad, appeared to get a measure of revenge.
Eswatini uses virtually the same players for all competitions including the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers and in the COSAFA tournament.
This meant that in terms of preparedness, they were better than the hastily assembled youthful Warriors, who were a blend of Under-20, Under-23, and some seasoned players.
Stand-in coach Takesure Chiragwi gave senior team debuts to a host of young players that included Yadah’s Blessed Ndereki and Anotidaishe Gwatidzo, CAPS United sensation Junior Bunjira, Herentals’ Zibusiso Ruguchu and midfielder MacKinnon Mushore of Highlanders. Experienced Warriors right back Godknows Murwira wore the armband as he provided leadership on the pitch along with goalkeeper Donovan Bernard, who also has a couple of national team caps under his belt.
However, Zimbabwe conceded the first goal in the first 15 minutes.
Eswatini doubled their advantage in the 37th minute before getting the third just before the half-time break.
There were no further goals in the second half.
The Zimbabweans will need to bounce back in a big way in two days’ time if they hope to progress to the next round against Madagascar.
Eswatini will host the Warriors at South Africa’s Mbombela Stadium for the return leg.
Online Reporter