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Asiagate 2.1. Harare select in dismal loss to Burkina Faso in friendly match
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Burkina Faso secured a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe's Warriors in a friendly match played on Friday evening at the Stade El Bachir Mohammedia Stadium in Morocco.
The selection of players reminds most Zimbabweans of the Asiagate scandal. Asiagate is the name of the match fixing scandal that involved players and officials of the Zimbabwe national football team. Zimbabwe's national team (sometimes composed of local players) underwent tours of Asia and lost several games which led to suspicions of match fixing.
The first half goals proved decisive as Burkina Faso's Les Etalons controlled much of the early play, putting Zimbabwe under pressure in the opening minutes. The visitors struggled to maintain possession, allowing Burkina Faso to create several scoring opportunities.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Wydad AC midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki fired a precise shot to the far post, beating Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi to give Burkina Faso the lead.
Zimbabwe quickly regrouped and forced a free kick on the edge of the box after midfielder Tawanda Maswanhise was fouled, presenting a chance to equalise. However, the free kick attempt failed to trouble the Burkina Faso defence.
Just six minutes later, the Warriors were punished again. In the 29th minute, Cyrique Irie doubled Burkina Faso's advantage, firing home to make it 2-0.
At halftime, Zimbabwe trailed by two goals. Coach Michael Nees made tactical substitutions in the 63rd minute, bringing on Tawanda Macheke, Sean Fusire, and Daniel Msendami in place of Khama Billiat, Mason Mushore, and Tawanda Maswanhise.
Despite the changes, Burkina Faso remained solid defensively, denying Zimbabwe any clear scoring chances, and held on for a comfortable 2-0 win.
The victory for Burkina Faso evens their head-to-head record with Zimbabwe, with both teams now having two wins apiece from five meetings.
Zimbabwe's Warriors will now turn their attention to their next friendly against Niger, scheduled for Tuesday.
The selection of players reminds most Zimbabweans of the Asiagate scandal. Asiagate is the name of the match fixing scandal that involved players and officials of the Zimbabwe national football team. Zimbabwe's national team (sometimes composed of local players) underwent tours of Asia and lost several games which led to suspicions of match fixing.
The first half goals proved decisive as Burkina Faso's Les Etalons controlled much of the early play, putting Zimbabwe under pressure in the opening minutes. The visitors struggled to maintain possession, allowing Burkina Faso to create several scoring opportunities.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Wydad AC midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki fired a precise shot to the far post, beating Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi to give Burkina Faso the lead.
Zimbabwe quickly regrouped and forced a free kick on the edge of the box after midfielder Tawanda Maswanhise was fouled, presenting a chance to equalise. However, the free kick attempt failed to trouble the Burkina Faso defence.
Just six minutes later, the Warriors were punished again. In the 29th minute, Cyrique Irie doubled Burkina Faso's advantage, firing home to make it 2-0.
Despite the changes, Burkina Faso remained solid defensively, denying Zimbabwe any clear scoring chances, and held on for a comfortable 2-0 win.
The victory for Burkina Faso evens their head-to-head record with Zimbabwe, with both teams now having two wins apiece from five meetings.
Zimbabwe's Warriors will now turn their attention to their next friendly against Niger, scheduled for Tuesday.
Source - NewZimbabwe
