Story by Raynald Ngwarati
THE Zimbabwe senior men’s football team, the Warriors, have reignited belief among their supporters following a spirited performance that earned them a hard-fought draw against South Africa in a World Cup Qualifier played on Friday at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The result has renewed optimism that the Warriors will not only participate but also strongly compete at the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Warriors may not have won the match, but they have certainly won the hearts of fans across the country.
Playing with 10 men for most of the second half after the expulsion of Knowledge Musona in the 65th minute, the Zimbabwe national men’s football team held their own to secure a hard-fought nil-all draw against South Africa.
The result may not change Zimbabwe’s standing in the World Cup qualifiers as the Warriors are still winless after nine matches and rooted to the bottom of Group C with five points, but it has sparked fresh optimism ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
“The coach should stay in charge at least through AFCON, we are finally seeing structure,” a soccer fan said.
“South Africa is no pushover. Holding them is a morale boost for us going into the tournament,” a fan said.
“Tactically, Zimbabwe was disciplined. Even with 10 men, we kept shape, that is what got us the result,” a football supporter said.
With emotions running high and belief slowly building, fans say the Warriors will not just make up the numbers at AFCON, they are going there to compete.
Drawn in a tough group with Angola, South Africa, and North African giants Egypt, Zimbabwe will need all the grit and heart they showed in this match and more.
Their final World Cup qualifier is against Lesotho this coming Monday, a chance to end the campaign on a high and keep the AFCON momentum building.
