Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Qatar 1-2 Zimbabwe
VICTORY had been missing for 13 long months. Not even Lesotho could be beaten in that stretch. Last night in Doha, the Warriors finally broke that run in the most convincing way, turning the lights back on with a strong 2–1 win over 2026 World Cup bound Qatar at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.
Munashe Garananga hauled Zimbabwe level before half time after Mohamed Khaled’s early strike, and substitute Bill Antonio finished the job with a cool effort 15 minutes from time. It marked only Marian “Mario” Marinica’s second match in charge since he took over from Michael Nees, yet his structure and intent showed throughout, even after conceding inside eight minutes.
Zimbabwe had lost 3–1 to Algeria in Saudi Arabia last week but never looked short of ambition. Marinica still had to deal with a wave of social media noise, including claims of a fall out with players. This trip to the Gulf felt like his reply. It offered proof of unity, clarity, and a plan ahead of the Afcon finals in Morocco in December and January.
This was Zimbabwe’s last run out before the tournament, and Marinica knows that stage well after guiding Malawi to the last 16 at the 2021 edition in Cameroon. Last night’s performance gives Zimbabwe every reason to trust him as they chase a historic place in the knockout stages for the first time in six attempts.
Rankings suggested a mismatch. Qatar sit 52nd in the world, Zimbabwe 129th. You wouldn’t have guessed it. Marinica made bold changes to the side beaten by Algeria, handing starts to Elvis Chipezeze, Godknows Murwira, Marvelous Nakamba, Emmanuel Jalai, and Daniel Msendami in a 3-5-2 setup. They all delivered, with Chipezeze particularly sharp as he kept out wave after wave of Qatari attacks.
The Warriors were still rocked when Khaled bent a perfect shot into the top corner. Qatar dominated early possession, at one point enjoying an 80–20 share. Yet Zimbabwe didn’t wilt. Marinica and Nakamba had spoken before the match about showing unity in the camp, and their response matched those words. They forced a corner, Murwira curled it in, and Garananga rose above his markers to power home the equaliser.
From there, Zimbabwe settled and even forced Qatar coach Julen Lopategui into seven second half substitutions. Chasing an equaliser, Qatar left gaps, and Antonio punished them. He picked up a loose ball on the right, drove forward, and his cross cum shot sneaked in to give Zimbabwe the lead.
The Warriors then shut it down with discipline, organisation, and a renewed spirit that carried them over the line. After the final whistle, Marinica gathered his players for a loud war cry, a moment that showed the togetherness behind this win.
“We still need to work hard but these are the good signs. I am very happy with the win,” Marinica said.
Zimbabwe are expected home before local based players enter camp. Foreign based stars will join later as the final Afcon preparations begin.
Warriors Squad
Elvis Chipezeze, Emmanuel Jalai, Munashe Garan’anga, Teenage Hadebe (Gerald Takwara 62min), Sean Fusire (Bill Antonio 62min), Daniel Msendami (Washington Navaya 84min), Prince Dube (Prosper Padera 46min), Marvellous Nakamba, Godknows Murwira, Devine Lunga, Jonah Fabisch
