The Warriors are on the brink of making history as they face South Africa's Bafana Bafana in a winner-takes-all Group B decider at the Stade de Marrakech tomorrow. A win would see Zimbabwe qualify for the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time .
After a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Egypt, the Warriors bounced back with a gritty 1-1 draw against Angola, keeping their hopes alive . Knowledge Musona's goal on the stroke of half-time against Angola steadied the team and reminded them that progress at this level is often earned through patience rather than panic.
Coach Marian "Mario" Marinica's side have been working on their composure and structure, and he's confident they can upset the odds . "Like in the other match, we tried to tighten up a bit more defence and we tried to not concede goals in key moments," Marinica said. "We are new, I have only about 34 days with the team, but the players have responded very well."
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Marinica added, "I think we need to have a bit more composure in front of goal and try to take our chances a bit cleaner. We have lost points, yes, but we are still in the competition with a chance to win the last game. I am quite confident that if we can be clinical, we stand a very good chance to win the last game and have a chance to progress."
Former captain Benjani Mwaruwari, now a ZIFA ambassador, is backing the team to go all the way . "I think when we are going to the next game knowing that we still have a chance to qualify, I think it gives an extra edge," he said. "But today I think we created more chances than Angola, which is positive for me, even if we didn’t capitalise on those chances."
Mwaruwari added, "South Africa can be beaten. We played them in the World Cup qualifiers when they were primed to win but we drew. That is what happens between us and South Africa. The better team on the day will win, but we have a chance to win, certainly."
With several players having experience in the South African league, the Warriors are familiar with Bafana Bafana's style . Goalkeeper Washington Arubi, Daniel Msendami, Divine Lunga, Musona, and Teenage Hadebe have all played, or still play, in the South African league. They know the tempo, the tricks, and the traps.
The mathematics are clear: Zimbabwe needs to win to qualify, while South Africa can afford a draw to progress. Angola can also finish on four points if they overcome Egypt. Tomorrow's match is a chance for Zimbabwe to write history. One win, and they're in
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