ZIMBABWE’S Warriors turned up too ordinary for the start of
their 2021 Afcon football qualifiers last night as they toiled aimlessly in a
drawn match against a tactically disciplined Botswana at the National Sports
Stadium yesterday.
The goalless draw last night left coach Joey Antipas and
his men with a lot to ponder on ahead of the second game of the campaign
against Zambia on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe needed a bright start at home after Group H rivals
Algeria had destroyed Zambia 5-0 the previous day to go top of the table.
But it appeared the weight of expectation took a huge toll
instead of inspiring the Warriors in front of their supporters, who left the
stadium angry and hurling all kinds of insults at the team, after braving the threat
of rains that always hung over the night sky.
Zimbabwe still failed to stamp their authority against this
largely home-grown Zebras side despite fielding an array of foreign-based
internationals like Marvelous Nakamba, Marshall Munetsi and Teenage Hadebe who
are all playing at the highest level in Europe.
Zimbabwe suffered greatly from the lack of creativity.
There were no clear cut chances as they struggled to find holes in the
well-organised Botswana defence.
The Zebras kept good shape the whole evening and the point
they collected away from home was actually a win for them judging by the way
they went about their business.
Before this match Zimbabwe had indicated they wanted quick
goals in the first half but things did not go according to plan with the bumpy
surface at the giant stadium not helping their cause.
Zimbabwe’s first chance came after 17 minutes but it was
not clear-cut. Nonetheless, Knox Mutizwa did well to shield his marker but his
shot rolled across the face of goal.
Botswana then responded with a swift counter attack through
Mpho Stephen Johanes but Teenage Hadebe made a timely interception at the back
post.
Warriors captain Knowledge Musona, whose inclusion was a
huge subject for debate because of his lack of game time at his Belgian side
Anderlecht, had a chance to redeem himself at the half hour mark but his
dipping free kick was pushed over the bar by goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe after
Marshall Munetsi was brought down just outside the box.
Musona, just like
most of his teammates, had a terrible outing last night.
The visitors did well to hold the Warriors at bay in the first half and
were even happy to stay in their half and slowing down the game the whole
second half.
Warriors coach Joey Antipas should also have been feeling the pressure as fans began making their
frustrations known by whistling and chanting choruses of disapproval at every
turn.
Antipas was forced to make a double substitution bringing
in Prince Dube and Kuda Mahachi.
The duo brought some sense of urgency and Dube’s shot was
stopped by the keeper with two minutes remaining.
Zimbabwe now need to go back to the drawing board ahead of
the trip to Zambia.
Teams
Zimbabwe: E Chipezeze, I Nekati, R Pfumbidzai, T Hadebe, A
Mudimu, M Nakamba, M Munetsi, O Karuru (K Mahachi, 78th minute), K Billiat, K
Musona, K Mutizwa (P Dube, 81st minute)
Botswana: K Dambe, G Gaugangwe, S Maturo, T Dithokwe, O
Ratanang, M Gaoloalwe, K Tshifiwe, T Molebats (M Dilship, 63rd minute), K Kobe
(M Ramallapen, 68th minute), K Seakanyeng, M Johanes (L Tshireletso, 51st
minute).
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