Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda in DURBAN, South Africa
Zimbabwe showed a rare fighting spirit when they drew 2-2 against Benin in a 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium last night.
The Warriors were 2-0 down by the 35th minute but still found their way back thanks to goals by captain Marshall Munetsi and former skipper Knowledge Musona.
The latter was making a return to national duty for the first time since 2022 when he announced his retirement.
Musona levelled matters after 59 minutes, after Munetsi had pulled one back in the first half.
Benin surged ahead as early as the 12th minute when Mounie Steve benefited from a howler by Washington Arubi and slotted the ball into an open net.
Benin doubled the lead in the 35th minute courtesy of Dokou Dodo, after a sweeping move inside the Zimbabwean box.
With the draw, Zimbabwe moved to three points, five behind new log leaders Benin.
It was a carnival atmosphere at Moses Mabidha in Durban, which is home to hundreds of Zimbabweans.
Yesteryear musical tunes by legendary Zimbabwean singers Leonard Dembo and Simon “Chopper” Chimbetu, belted from the PA system as teams came out for the warm out.
This was more than just a World Cup qualifier but a chance for Zimbabweans based in Durban to mix and mingle.
Of course they could not fill up the 56 000 seater Moses Mabidha but those thousands of Zimbabweans, most of them from Durban and Johannesburg had something to cheer as the Warriors fought back to snatch a draw.
They might now be out of contention for the 2026 World Cup but the fighting spirit displayed by the Warriors was something to smile about.
Maybe Warriors coach Michael Nees Nees was right after all, when he kept Musona until the 83rd minute as the veteran scored on his return.
The former captain squeezed the ball via the near post, off a free kick by Zemura who also registered his second assist of the game.
The Udinese left back had also assisted Munetsi in the first half.
Nees will also be happy with Tawanda Chirewa’s performance after the Huddersfield man came on at the start of the second half.
Chirewa replaced Prince Dube.
“The message from the coach was just go at them,” said Chirewa.
“I am proud to play for my country and it makes my family happy.”
Zimbabwe will play Nigeria in Uyo on Tuesday.
Dynamos captain Emmanuel Jalai will be looking forward to that match with enthusiasm after the pint sized right back put up a memorable show on his full Warriors debut.
Jalai combined well with Zemura on the right flank.
Tawanda Maswanhise also came on late in the second half and reminded many he is one of the future stars for the Warriors.
Mathew Masinge