adminKatsande who was having a good game sent off in the 29th minute after needlessly head-butting Burundi forward Emari Nibumona.
But Katsande who felt hard done by the referee Eric Castane Otoyo’s decision claimed he did not do it intentionally as he was trying to defend from a corner and there was a lot of movement in the box.
“I was going to the near post to cover as there were preparing to take a corner kick and I head-butted him in the process, but it was not a deliberate move.
“I take the blame for the red card.
“I would like to apologise to the nation for the red card as it put the team under a lot of pressure for the better part of the game,” said Katsande.
The former Highway and Gunners man, however, paid tribute to the Warriors for showing character and managing to produce a win.
“I would like to thank the boys for the fighting spirit they showed. They never looked like they were one man down.
“It’s unfortunate I won’t be around in the next assignment, but I wish the boys all the best as we try to qualify for the Nations Cup in South Africa,” said Katsande.
Despite being one man short, Zimbabwe fought like real Warriors and were rewarded for their persistence through a Knowledge Musona strike in the 36th minute.
Musona was set up by the lively winger Khama Billiat.
After false start in World Cup qualifiers losing 1-0 to Guinea at home and a goalless draw against Mozambique in Maputo, Zimbabwe have revive their chances of qualifying for the Nations Cup in South Africa.
Zimbabwe also ended a goal drought that had spanned 180 minutes having last found the net when they lost 2-1 to Burundi in the reverse fixture in Bujumbura.
Online Reporter