Sports / Soccer
Warriors struggles to beat Qatar
17 Nov 2025 at 19:24hrs |
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The Warriors finally tasted victory on Monday evening, breaking their year-long winless streak with a hard-fought 2–1 triumph over Qatar in an international friendly at the Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Stadium.
The match marked the second assignment for newly appointed Romanian coach Marian Marinica, who began his tenure with a 3–1 loss to Algeria last week. This time, the coach opted for a completely reshuffled starting XI, signalling his intent to experiment and identify a winning formula ahead of next year's AFCON qualifiers.
Zimbabwe endured a shaky start, conceding in the 9th minute when Qatar's Muhamed Gouda fired home a thunderous shot that left goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze rooted to the spot.
But the Warriors responded with determination. In the 23rd minute, defender Munashe Garan'anga rose highest to meet a corner, powering his header into the net to level the score. The momentum swung briefly in Zimbabwe's favour, and the team nearly found a second goal in the 33rd minute, only for Mthokozisi Msendami to miss a clear chance from close range.
With the teams locked 1–1 at halftime, Marinica made two tactical changes, bringing on Gerald Takwara and Bill Antonio for Teenage Hadebe and Sean Fusire. The adjustments proved decisive.
In the 74th minute, Antonio - one of the substitutes - clinched the winner after a well-worked move, giving the Warriors a deserved lead and ultimately, a long-awaited victory.
The result not only ends Zimbabwe's winless run in all competitions for 2025 but also injects confidence into Marinica's rebuilding efforts as the Warriors gear up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The win will be viewed as a vital step in restoring belief among players and fans alike, signalling a potentially brighter chapter under Marinica's leadership.
The match marked the second assignment for newly appointed Romanian coach Marian Marinica, who began his tenure with a 3–1 loss to Algeria last week. This time, the coach opted for a completely reshuffled starting XI, signalling his intent to experiment and identify a winning formula ahead of next year's AFCON qualifiers.
Zimbabwe endured a shaky start, conceding in the 9th minute when Qatar's Muhamed Gouda fired home a thunderous shot that left goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze rooted to the spot.
But the Warriors responded with determination. In the 23rd minute, defender Munashe Garan'anga rose highest to meet a corner, powering his header into the net to level the score. The momentum swung briefly in Zimbabwe's favour, and the team nearly found a second goal in the 33rd minute, only for Mthokozisi Msendami to miss a clear chance from close range.
In the 74th minute, Antonio - one of the substitutes - clinched the winner after a well-worked move, giving the Warriors a deserved lead and ultimately, a long-awaited victory.
The result not only ends Zimbabwe's winless run in all competitions for 2025 but also injects confidence into Marinica's rebuilding efforts as the Warriors gear up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The win will be viewed as a vital step in restoring belief among players and fans alike, signalling a potentially brighter chapter under Marinica's leadership.
Source - online
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