Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor

THE Warriors are drawing positives from their goalless draw with Rwanda in the opening Group C match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers this Wednesday.

Zimbabwe and Rwanda shared the spoils in a match that had a few chances.

The match was Zimbabwe’s first international match after the country was suspended for 18 months by the world football governing body, FIFA.

Despite the slow start, the Warriors are taking positives from the match.

Warriors vice-captain, Marshall Munetsi said, “We have to be realistic, we were playing on an artificial turf, it was difficult for us as a team, that’s why Rwanda chose this venue, then also we didn’t have much training together so the combinations are not yet there but going forward we will be better. We are also coming from a long suspension as well but against Nigeria we will have had a bit of time as a team but for now, a point away from home, we take it and move on positively onto the next one.”

Diminutive striker, Obriel Chirinda of Bulawayo Chiefs who played his first competitive match for the national team believes there is room for improvement.

“We will improve as a team going forward, with time we will have a better understanding and that will work in our favour, but for now we take the point.”

Zimbabwe have no time to rest as they prepare to host the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the same venue on Sunday.

The West African giants are the highest-ranked team in the group.