Warriors tipped for surprise AFCON run

Some influential voices in Malawian football believe Zimbabwe could spring a surprise at next month's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco - but only if the nation unites behind head coach Mario Marinica, popularly known as Super Mario.

The Warriors, who return to Africa's biggest football stage with hopes of progressing beyond the group phase for the first time in history, face a daunting Group B campaign against record champions Egypt, regional rivals South Africa and Angola.

Data analysts Opta, in a report released yesterday, painted a grim statistical outlook for Zimbabwe, ranking them among the least likely teams to win the tournament. Botswana sit bottom of the predictive rankings with a 0,12 percent chance of lifting the trophy, while Zimbabwe follow closely with a 0,26 percent probability. Egypt, boosted by the presence of Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, are rated second favourites at 12,75 percent - behind hosts Morocco, who top the projections at 19,6 percent.

Algeria, Senegal and Nigeria complete the top five most-fancied sides for the continental title. Group opponents South Africa carry a 2,11 percent likelihood of winning a second AFCON crown, while Angola - also seen ahead of the Warriors - have a 1,21 percent chance.

Given those numbers, Opta forecast Zimbabwe to finish bottom of their group. However, football administrators and analysts in Malawi, where Marinica previously coached the Flames to their first-ever AFCON Round of 16 appearance, believe the Warriors could defy projections - provided the country shows unwavering faith in the Romanian tactician.

"Just support him and you will be surprised," said one stakeholder who worked with Marinica in Malawi. "He was our coach and he took us beyond the group stages at AFCON - we even beat Zimbabwe along the way. If he did that with our squad, he can do even better with you because you have better players. The key is to trust him and stand behind him."

Another stakeholder echoed the sentiment, emphasising Marinica's experience and tactical acumen at major tournaments.

"You have a coach who has already gone past the group stages at AFCON - that's an advantage. Here in Malawi we don't have EPL players, but we achieved results because Mario builds organised, competitive teams. If Zimbabwe supports him fully, I believe he can make a big difference."

Zimbabwe's run in Morocco is expected to test belief, patience and national unity. With odds stacked against them, Malawian observers insist the Warriors' best chance at rewriting history lies in backing Super Mario - loudly and without hesitation.