The Zimbabwean Warriors took positives from their first two competitive outings against Rwanda and Nigeria in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier.
Both matches were played in Rwanda at Huye in Bukari due to a lack of a FIFA-approved stadium in Zimbabwe.
The country is one of the 17 countries that played their home matches away from home.
Zimbabwe played to a goalless draw with Rwanda before being held to a one-all draw with Nigeria in a game they could have easily secured maximum points. Forward Walter Musona scored a scorcher off a freekick to put Zimbabwe ahead.
The Warriors had most of their foreign-based stars available, with skipper Marvellous Nakamba captaining the team.
Expatriate coach Baltemor Brito appointed Nakamba as the Warriors’ captain, succeeding Knowledge Musona as the country’s senior team captain. The Luton-based midfielder is deputized by Marshall Munetsi and Teenage Hadebe.
Warriors express satisfaction with WCQ outing
Speaking after the two games, Munetsi felt that the team played better in the second game and there are many positives to take home.
“We had a much better game than we did against Rwanda. Nigeria is a bigger nation compared to us.
“We were coming from a long ban. So it’s positive and we scored a good freekick and managed the game very well.
Munetsi appealed to the administration to arrange for more competitive friendly matches for the team to find cohesion.
“I hope the administration will help us prepare for these games with more friendly matches. It will help us have cohesion on the pitch because it was the first time for most of the guys.
“The group is still open and we have to fight,” he said.
Italian-based defender Jordan Zemura, who missed the first game against Rwanda and featured against Nigeria, appealed for the team to keep on working together.
“It was a very tough game. We pushed and pushed. I think it was a fair reflection of ourselves and we tried to win the game and I am very proud of the team.
“I hope we keep on working together in the next international games; we need to be more of a team.”
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Zimbabwe is in group C with South Africa, Rwanda, Benin, Lesotho, and Nigeria.
Rwanda is currently leading the group with four points.
