Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DESPITE encountering a last-minute heartbreak in their opening Group B match at the Africa Cup of Nations against continental football heavyweights Egypt, Zimbabwe’s battling Warriors have won many admirers into their corner.
Many of those who watched the match believe Zimbabwe still have a lot to play for in their remaining group matches.
Fans and pundits across the board were equally charmed by the spirited performance put up by Marian “Mario” Marinica’s men in a David versus Goliath clash that produced a series of exciting moments at both ends.
Zimbabwe even had the temerity of grabbing the game’s breakthrough in the opening 20 minutes courtesy of Prince Dube, much against the run of play and managed to frustrate the Pharaohs until late in the second half when Egypt’s English Premier League stars Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) and Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) came to the rescue of the North Africans.
Salah’s goal was especially energy draining, coming on the 91st minute, after the referee had indicated five minutes of added time.
“We had a good game plan and it worked most of the time. However, Egypt had some good players and obviously I said to you yesterday (Sunday), Salah could score against Real Madrid three or four goals; he could score against us,” said Marinica in the post-match interview.
“We didn’t look to contain one player, we looked to contain the whole team and we’ve done very well on batches, we’ve created lots of chances for our stage.
“Unfortunately, it is what it is and it’s very heartbreaking to see that we actually lost a match like this in the last few minutes.
“Probably if we were to keep the game plan, we probably wouldn’t have lost this match,” said Marinica.
Although the Egyptians dominated the game with a possession of 77.3 percent against 22.7 percent, their finesse could not entirely outshine the Warriors.
The statistics, however, did not tell the story of how the Egyptians were frustrated on the park as the Warriors threw back everything at the Pharaohs and took the lead at half time courtesy of Prince Dube’s 20th-minute strike.
Zimbabwe had some outstanding performances from players such as Daniel Msendami, goal scorer Prince Dube, stocky defender Gerald Takwara who was a bundle of energy the entire evening and the surprise package Jonah Fabisch.
Fabisch was impressive in the midfield department in the absence of injured vice-captain, Marshall Munetsi, with a committed performance that made a mockery of some of Egypt’s stars.
But the defeat left the Warriors sitting bottom of Group B, ahead of the second match against COSAFA rivals Angola on Friday and South Africa.
With both Zimbabwe and Angola having lost their opening matches after the Palancas Negras went down 1-2 to South Africa in an earlier kick-off, the upcoming Boxing Day clash has gained much more significance as the old rivals fight to stay in contention for knock-out stage qualification.
Even in defeat, the Warriors have charmed many Zimbabweans, including one of their biggest fans, the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Anselem Sanyatwe, who immediately encouraged them to pick themselves up and focus on more battles coming up.
“To our Warriors, I salute your fighting spirit in the match against Egypt,” wrote Sanyatwe on X.
“Though the result was not in our favour, you showed courage, determination and pride in representing Zimbabwe on the AFCON stage.
“This is only the beginning; every setback is a lesson and every match is an opportunity to rise stronger. The nation stands firmly behind you. Keep your heads high, keep believing and keep fighting for the dream. We are proud of you.”
Zimbabwe and Mamelodi Sundowns legend Esrom Nyandoro also believes the Warriors have the capacity to spring back to contention, judging by Monday night’s shift.
“I think first of all, well done to the boys. I think the boys showed why they are called Warriors.
“They showed why it’s very important to represent that badge of Zimbabwe. And I know how they feel. I’ve been a player before,” he said.
“I think we did very well. I think the defence played very well. And like I said, it’s unfortunate that at the end of the day we come out of this game with no point and I’m disappointed. I know the boys are disappointed, but I think there’s also two more games to go.
“We just have to lift our heads up, recover, look ahead to the next game and then this spirited fight, if you can just put it to the next game, which is Angola.
“I think first of all let’s focus on Angola before we start thinking about South Africa. I think we’ll get something,” Nyandoro said.
However, the game also stirred mixed reactions. While the fans and pundits mostly agreed on the fighting spirit and determination on the pitch, some also squabbled over team selection, substitutions, the coach’s tactics and game plan.
Nyandoro also questioned the positioning of some players.
“At some point, I did not understand when Teenage Hadebe played as a left back whilst there’s also Divine Lunga there. But listen, who am I?
“Of course, coaches come with different minds and also different set-up. Maybe he didn’t want him to overlap, but you know, when Divine is there, he’ll always go up.
“Unfortunately, he was on the bench the whole game because I know Divine once did very well against Mohamed Salah.
“And listen, we were scored by two brilliant superstars, Marmoush and Salah. Two brilliant goals and tough luck to us and well done to Egypt.
“But the boys did very well. They made us proud. I think there’s hope and there’s a future going for-ward. Let’s focus on Angola and I am hopeful to get three points,” said Nyandoro.
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