Sports / Soccer
Zimbabwe Warriors' struggles continue
15 hrs ago | Views
Zimbabwe's Africa 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign suffered another blow as Rwanda's Gilbert Mugisha scored in the 40th minute to hand the visitors a 1-0 victory at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
The Warriors struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, failing to create any meaningful chances or register a single shot on target. Zimbabwe's performance drew sharp criticism, as fans and pundits alike questioned the team's attacking cohesion and tactical discipline.
Zimbabwe improved marginally after halftime with the introduction of Tymon Machope and Bill Antonio, who replaced Tawanda Maswanhise and Prosper Padera. The Warriors' best opportunity came in the 72nd minute when Machope set up Tawanda Chirewa, but the striker failed to convert despite the Rwandan goalkeeper being out of position.
The result intensifies pressure on Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees, who faced widespread scrutiny following Friday's 2-0 loss to Benin. Zimbabwe remains the only winless team in Group C, and Tuesday's defeat has all but ended their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
After eight matches played, the Warriors have managed just four points from a possible 24. The team's struggles in World Cup qualifiers are long-standing; since 2010, Zimbabwe has recorded only two wins in 29 qualifying fixtures.
With the qualification race slipping further away, Zimbabwe must now regroup quickly as they prepare for their remaining Group C matches, seeking to salvage pride and rebuild confidence among supporters.
The Warriors struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, failing to create any meaningful chances or register a single shot on target. Zimbabwe's performance drew sharp criticism, as fans and pundits alike questioned the team's attacking cohesion and tactical discipline.
Zimbabwe improved marginally after halftime with the introduction of Tymon Machope and Bill Antonio, who replaced Tawanda Maswanhise and Prosper Padera. The Warriors' best opportunity came in the 72nd minute when Machope set up Tawanda Chirewa, but the striker failed to convert despite the Rwandan goalkeeper being out of position.
The result intensifies pressure on Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees, who faced widespread scrutiny following Friday's 2-0 loss to Benin. Zimbabwe remains the only winless team in Group C, and Tuesday's defeat has all but ended their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
After eight matches played, the Warriors have managed just four points from a possible 24. The team's struggles in World Cup qualifiers are long-standing; since 2010, Zimbabwe has recorded only two wins in 29 qualifying fixtures.
With the qualification race slipping further away, Zimbabwe must now regroup quickly as they prepare for their remaining Group C matches, seeking to salvage pride and rebuild confidence among supporters.
Source - NewZimbabwe
