onlinemedia
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Algeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3) 3
Zimbabwe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
ZIMBABWE’S new coach Marian “Mario’’ Marinica started his Warriors’ tenure on the back-foot as the visitors found the going tough when falling to former African champions Algeria in an international friendly the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Saudi Arabia last night.
Mario, presiding over the Warriors for the first time after taking charge on Monday, immediately got the reality check of the tough task awaiting him inside the next month before Zimbabwe open their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
In last night’s match in the heat of Jeddah, the Warriors’ paid dearly for their defensive lapses in the first half as the Desert Foxes got off the blocks as early of the 14th minute.
Algeria, who are 2026 World Cup bound found their goals from captain Baghdad Bounedjah, Mohammed Amoura and Jaouen Hadjam.
The North Africans were literally in cruise control in the opening half, threatening to run over the Warriors.
But the Algerians could not extend their dominance to the second half as substitute Tawanda Chirewa scored the Warriors’ consolation from the penalty spot with two minutes of regulation time remaining.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder was introduced in the second half as Mario sought to galvanise his new side.
Both the overall performances and the scoreline reflected the gulf between the two sides who were using the match to prepare for the Nations Cup jamboree where Zimbabwe will open their Group B encounter with a showdown against record African champions Egypt. This being the first match for Marinica in charge of the Warriors, the Zimbabwean supporters were eager to see some glimpses of how the Romanian coach hopes to transform the Warriors game.
But Zimbabwe were not given the space to showcase themselves by the superior Algerians.
- Related stories: https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/warriors-sink-to-a-new-low/
- https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/the-tragedy-of-warriors-and-its-fans/
- https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/wasteful-warriors-lose/
The difference in quality on the field was noticeable as the Algerians are back on top of their game after recently securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup in fine style.
The North Africans controlled possession in the early minutes, while Zimbabwe tried to defend against the constant attacks mostly from the wings.
Credit to the Warriors backline marshalled by Gerald Takwara, Teenage Hadebe and Brendan Galloway.
They fought hard in those opening minutes, and they maintained their defensive discipline despite the pressure.
But they were bound to crack at some point and it happened.
However, the capitulation came less than a quarter of an hour into the encounter, in the 14th minute when Qatar-based Bounedjah thrust Algeria ahead with a right-footed shot after meeting a low cross from Amoura.
Zimbabwe struggled to reorganise and respond to Algeria’s relentless pressure but they were slow in the midfield and could not carve out clear-cut chances for their point-man Washington Navaya.
The TelOne striker, the local Premiership top goal scorer who was made his first start last night.
Amour doubled the lead for Algeria after 41 minutes with a well taken shot from inside the box.
The VfL Wolfsburg man was somehow given enough space by the retreating Warriors defenders and he picked his spot on the top corner to beat goalkeeper Washington Arubi from inside the box. The Algerians extended their lead before the break courtesy of another fine strike from Hadjam, who responded with glee to a poor clearance by veteran Teenage Hadebe.
Algerian midfielder Rayan Alt-Nouri could have made it four after coming face to face with Arubi in the 56th minute but he chipped the ball just wide of target. Arubi then made a crucial save midway through the second half when he blocked on the goal line, an attempt by Mounsef Bakrar from a cross by Rafiq Belghali.
With the way the Warriors were playing second fiddle, there was no way they were going to score from open play.
Marinica made six changes in all and the introduction of Chirewa and Prosper Padera partially increased the urgency in their game.
The Warriors will play their second international friendly match during this FIFA window on Monday when they face 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar in Doha.
Teams:
Algeria: Oussama Benbot, Zineddine Belaïd, Jaouen Hadjam, Samir Sophian Chergui, Ibrahim Maza (Anis Hadj Moussa, 62nd min), lsmaël Bennacer (Yacine Titraoui, 68th min), Rayan Alt-Nouri (Mehdi Dorval, 62nd min), Rafik Belghali, Baghdad Bounedjah (Mounsef Bakrar, 62nd min), Mohamed Amoura, Ramiz Zerrouki (68th min)
Zimbabwe: Washington Arubi, Munashe Garananga, Teenage Hadebe (E Jalai, 71st min), Gerald Takwara, Brendan Galloway (D. Msendami, 84th min), Sean Fusire (P Padera, 46th min), Bill Antonio (G Murwira, 46th min), Jonah Fabisch, Walter Musona, Tawanda Maswanhise (T Chirewa, 46th min), Washington Navaya (P Dube, 46th min)
Online Reporter