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News

Zimbabwe: Warriors Edge Closer to Afcon Finals

todayOctober 16, 2024 1

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Zimbabwe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(0) 3

Namibia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1

Walter Musona was the toast of the Warriors last night with a brace that earned Zimbabwe back-to-back success over Namibia in their return leg of the 2025 AFCON qualifying matches at Orlando Stadium in South Africa.

The Warriors now need to avoid defeat against Kenya in the next match next month to qualify for the finals.

Udinese star Jordan Zemura was the fans’ man-of-the-match after an impressive second half when he played up-field.

Simba Bhora captain Musona showed great technique when he flighted the ball over badly exposed goalkeeper Edward Maova just five minutes after the restart, as the Warriors pumped in three goals in the second half to consolidate second place in Group J.

Prince Dube came in late on and added the third goal in the 89th minute, although the Namibians still had time to get a consolation courtesy of substitute Godwin Eiseb at the stroke of full time.

But the Warriors celebrations were not dampened by the goal as Zimbabwe brightened their chances of qualifying for the next AFCON edition to be held in Morocco in late 2025.

The victory came just hours after Group J leaders Cameroon had also claimed a double over Kenya to take their points tally to 10 points and become the first team from the pool to secure their place at next year’s continental football jamboree.

Zimbabwe are not very far after yesterday’s result. With eight points in the bag, the Warriors now have one foot in the 2025 AFCON edition as they need at most to avoid defeat against the Kenyans when they meet next month.

Kenya are third in the group standings with four points, following the back-to-back losses to five-time champions Cameroon. Namibia, with four defeats from as many games, are eliminated from the qualifying matrix, with two rounds of play left.

But Zimbabwe yesterday made a giant leap towards a return to the continental football jamboree. They were unconvincing in the first leg against the Namibians last Thursday when they scrapped a 1-0 win and the spotlight was on Michael Nees and his charges yesterday as they enjoyed the warm backing of vociferous Zimbabwean fans who thronged Orlando Stadium last night.

After a goalless first half, in which the Namibians dominated possession with 58 percent to Zimbabwe’s 42, the Warriors turned around things after the break.