Shingi Matibiri, Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe…………………………………………………………0
South Africa………………………………………………………0
Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic believes the draw against South Africa was a fair result despite falling short of the expectations of many Zimbabweans.
Logarusic insists that the point was a good result which he can build on in the upcoming matches.
“Look a draw is a good result considering the challenges that we had getting into this match. Of course, I would have wanted a win but that was not to be,” Logarusic. The Croat who has a below par record with the Zimbabwe national team since his appointment blamed lack of fitness for the core of squad as the main reason for the dismal show on Friday.
“The performance was not really bad, we can build on this getting into the next match.
“Most of the players save for Onisimor Bhasera, Khama Billiat, Marshall Munetsi and Knowledge Musona were match fit.
“Most of them are still in pre-season or are not playing at their clubs.” “But we can improve as the players get more game time.”
The Warriors failed to get into the groove, playing second fiddle to South Africa in the opening stages and waited until after thirty minutes to register a short on target through Khama Billiat.
The second half didn’t offer much hope as the Warriors showed no urgency nor the zeal to win with the makeshift central defence pairing of Alec Mudimu and Onisimor Bhasera being the strongest link of the team.
The Warriors will take on Ethiopia on Tuesday in their second group match.
Results:
Zimbabwe 0-0 South Africa
Ghana 1-0 Ethiopia (Mubarak Wakaso 35′)
Mauritania 1-2 Zambia (Enock Mwepu 10′ , Prince Mumba 52′ , Amadou Niass 68′)
