Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sport Editor
NEW Warriors coach Marian Marinica endured a tough start to his tenure as Zimbabwe fell 3-1 to Algeria in an international friendly played on Thursday evening in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Warriors fans were expecting a super start from new coach, Marian Marinica, however it wasn’t to be.
Playing against the continent’s fourth best team, Algeria according to the latest CAF rankings, Zimbabwe were put in their place.
The Desert Foxes were faster and more incisive and managed to bag three goals in the first half, especially exposing the lack of pace of Munashe Garananga who was playing at right back, while Brendan Galloway also looked lost on the other flank.
Zimbabwe were second to every ball in the first half and were duly punished for that with the Foxes sensing blood with every attack.
After the break, the Warriors played with purpose with youngsters, midfielder Prosper Padera and forward Tawanda Chirewa kneeting some good passes but that did not yield in a goal.
The skillful Chirewa finally found a face saver for the Warriors after converting a penalty after he had been brought down in the box following a mazy run.
Washington Arubi also showed that he is still one of the best in goals despite age not on his side.
The Warriors will draw confidence from the second half performance as they move on to Qatar to face the Asians on Sunday.
