POLOKWANE – The Warriors sealed qualification for Morocco 2025 after being held to a 1-1 draw by Kenya at Peter Mokaba Stadium in a match dominated by emotions, The Page can report.
Tawanda Maswanhise found the priceless goal just after half an hour, a situation that changed the complexion of the game as the Kenyans plot was to close out Zimbabwe entirely…and then hit them on the break.
Maswanhise goal changed everything.
Like honey made from flowers, the opening goal, embroidered with arrogant finesse from a run and pass by Khama Billiat, Maswanhise calmed himself in flight, like an Airbus A380 at cruise speed and buried a fine finish from the despairing dive by Kenya keeper, who otherwise had a good game.
It was 1-0, a lead that ignited Israel v Gaza moments from the Kenyan bench, whose coach felt an injustice in the build up.
But like Trump re-election in the US, morphed into serious war both on the field and off it, with a nice exchange of invectives from both coaches.
The attrition continued into the break with Zimbabwe leading 1-0. Zimbabwe control of the midfield and measured attack into opposition third, troubled the Kenyans endlessly.
Worse, the false nine that coach Michael Nees used with Billiat, ensured Kenya were crowded out in the midfield, making it difficult to fashion any dangerous raids into Zimbabwe penalty.
With hardworking Maswanhise, a constant threat, Billiat, a spasmodic nuisance, Andy Rinomhota, the midfield metronome in fine tandem with captain Marvelous Nakamba clearly marked the zones, like would lions of the veld, the match looked secure.
No recorded threat, apart from three wayward shots that troubled more those that sat in Western stands, than would Washy Arubi, was all Kenya could show for their attritional play, more suited for athletics than a fight for a seat at Afcon 2025 in Morocco next December.
Six minutes after the break a defensive mix up, with Takwara trying to head a low ball, gifted Kenya an equaliser in similar fashion to the one goal, Zimbabwe conceded against Namibia at Orlando stadium last month.
The goalkeeper, Takwara and Hadebe could not recover from the pulp, but danger had been allowed when Jordan Zemura failed to stop the cross into the box.
Sadly,Takwara, the most reliable defensive tool, who plays with the metronomic proficiency of war utensils, had to be stretched off with a dislocated shoulder.
But that mattered less for the qualification to Morocco was sealed with that Maswanhise goal, as the match ended 1-1 and with it a point that guaranteed Zimbabwe a point and a place to Afcon 2025.
That the referee was piss poor was perhaps the madness this game required. He missed all critical calls and blew for nothing, irritating the players endlessly.
Scenes of people invading the pitch forcing post match interviews off the pitch, was a sight to behold.
But that was necessary madness but not like what NRSL and Scottland are offering at home.
Ponga Liwewe, the match coordinator, made a decision, for the safety of everyone to take the interviews away from the pitch, nicely invaded by celebrating fans in Zim colours.
Well done Warriors! Nees to the clouds! And The Page, too. Chinhu chevene!
But it was difficult, even to watch. All the emotions were in one vase like artificial flowers on the balcony of a nunnery in the Vatican.
All the madness in one venue. Kenya and Zimbabwe fixtures are never a Netflix content advert, but this one threatened a formal bid with emotions borrowed from post election Mozambique.
The teams offered all the ugliness and few flowers for dressing and this was no different. Both sets of coaches were sworn enemies and they didn’t even shake hands post match.
And they didn’t need to as this was no beauty contest. Zimbabwe with nine points, one behind Cameroon, who they play on Tuesday in Yaounde, take the second slot from Group J.
It was a war, one which sadly was spoiled by a poor referee, whose only claim to fame was to play exactly four minutes of added time.
The Warriors leave for Cameroon tomorrow to play and decide who tops the Group.
With just two points separating the two, a win for Zimbabwe hands them the leadership and bragging rights.
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