Zimbabwe’s CHAN journey: From 2014 semi-final heartbreak to renewed hope in 2024

FOR most football fans, the 2014 African Nations Championship (Chan) finals remain vivid. It was Zimbabwe’s best Chan performance, reaching the semi-finals stage. Zimbabweans believed that their team could win, boasting talents like Peter “Rio” Moyo, Kuda Mahachi, Danny Phiri, Patson Jaure, and the late George Chigova.

Local prophet Blessing Chiza’s accurate predictions fuelled national optimism. Before the semi-final against Libya, Chiza prophesied: “I strongly sense Zimbabwe will beat Libya 3-0. I see Zimbabwe proceeding to the Chan final. If the Warriors believe, all things are possible. It’s God’s will for Zimbabwe to win this tournament and bring the trophy home. If they doubt, they’ll blow their golden chance.”

Zimbabwe would, however, lose the game 5-4 on penalties. Following the defeat, Chiza faced a serious backlash from football fans who went as far as calling him a false prophet. Chiza’s previous predictions had been correct. He had predicted a Warriors 2-1 victory over Mali and it came to pass. Prior to that, he had also correctly predicted Highlanders’ Mbada Diamonds Cup victory over How Mine.

Chiza’s Chan semi-final boob will always come to mind for football fans whenever Chan is mentioned.
The Warriors return to Chan competition tomorrow against Eswatini at Sihlangu Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. If they eliminate Eswatini, they face Madagascar in the second round. The Warriors’ squad consists mainly of Under-23 and Under-20 players, supplemented by four seniors. Ngezi Platinum Stars head coach Takesure Chiragwi leads the team.

Chan is a biennial tournament featuring national teams with domestic league players. Eswatini’s head coach Zdravko Logarusic bolstered his squad with notable recruits. Logarusic’s squad includes the likes of Mbabane Swallows sensational recruit Bongi “Karas” Magagula, Royal Leopard’s Sifiso “Ayoba” Matse and Sabelo “Sikhali” Ndzinisa, among others.

“We’ll prepare and let Zimbabwe do theirs. Training is going well,” Logarusic said.

Meanwhile, the Warriors recently rose to 117th in the world and 31st in Africa on the new Fifa rankings. Their unbeaten Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers campaign, including two wins against Namibia, has renewed hope. They had also moved five places up last month following draws with highly ranked Cameroon and Kenya. Under German coach Michael Nees, Zimbabwe has moved 12 places up the World Rankings.

Warriors’ squad for Chan qualifiers:

Goalkeepers:
Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn), Joseph Kaunda (Manica Diamonds)
Defenders:
Godknows Murwira (Caps United), Allan Chapinduka (TelOne FC), Anotidaishe Gwatidzo (Yadah FC), Thubelihle Jubani (Manica Diamonds), Zibusiso Ruguchu (Herentals), Blessing Kagudu (Herentals), Chris Mukumbira (Bikita Minerals)
Midfielders:
Brian Banda (FC Platinum), Blessed Ndereki (Yadah FC), Mthokozisi Msebe (Simba Bhora), McKinnon Mushore (Highlanders), Tinashe Mashaireni (Kwekwe United), Denzel Mapuwa (Green Fuel), Enock Moyo (Bikita Minerals)
Forwards:
Obriel Chirinda (Ngezi Platinums), Junior Bunjira (Caps United), Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (FC Platinum), Tinashe Mavhudzi (Chegutu Pirates), Prince Ndlovu (Highlanders), Ashwin Karengesha (ZPC Kariba)