Football

AFCON2021: Zimbabwe 1 – 2 Malawi

Zimbabwe Warriors have lost their second match of the delayed Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021 finals to neighbouring Malawi by 2 goals to 1.

The Warriors scored first through South Africa-based Ishmael Wadi who headed in Onesimo Bhasera’s cross.

Their lead was cancelled moments later when Malawi’s Gabaldinho Mhango capitalised on a defensive mistake and scored.

The match went to halftime with the teams sharing the spoils.

Zimbabwe made another error when United States-based Teenage Hadebe delayed clearing the ball out of the danger zone, presumably thinking the keeper would get the ball first.

Mhango once again capitalised on the mistake, dribbled goalkeeper, Petros Mhari, and scored Malawi’s second.

Zimbabwe has had plenty of chances and half chances but failed to convert them into scores.

Speaking before the match, former Manchester City forward, and former Warriors captain, Benjan Mwaruwari said Zimbabwe needed a playmaker like Denver Mukamba considering that the veteran forward, Khama Billiat resigned.

Former Warriors midfielder, Alois Bunjira, lamented over the defensive blunders and failure to convert chances into scores.

ZBC Sports commentator Charles Mabika said while Zimbabwe’s hopes of progressing to the last-16 stage were over, the Southern African country could proceed if they are among the best third-placed teams at the group stages.

Zimbabwe is in Group B together with Malawi, Guinea and Senegal.

The Warriors have zero points in two matches after losing 1-0 to Senegal in the opening match.

They face Guinea next.M