Qatar (1)1
Zimbabwe (1) 2
The Zimbabwe Warriors delivered a sensational and much-needed victory, defeating highly-rated hosts Qatar 2-1 in an international friendly match at the Al Duhail Sports Centre in Doha.
The result provides a well-deserved respite for Romanian tactician Marian Marinica, who secured his first win barely two weeks into the job.
Marinica Finds Relief Amidst Criticism
The victory is a significant boost for Marinica, who has been under intense pressure and negative publicity following a 3-1 defeat to Algeria in Saudi Arabia in his debut match.
Compounding the difficulties, reports of player disgruntlement have been circulating, which perhaps explained the coach’s controversial selection.
Marinica’s team sheet against Qatar conspicuously listed only five infield players on the bench, and he surprisingly opted to use striker Prince Dube ahead of Washington Navaya, later substituting Dube for midfielder Prosper Padera in the second half.
However, the match saw the welcome return of key players, including captain Marvelous Nakamba and defender Divine Lunga, both of whom were overlooked for the Algeria encounter. This morale-boosting win, Zimbabwe’s first in over a year, will go a long way in endearing the new coach to the Zimbabwean fans as the team intensifies preparations for the Afcon finals next month.
The game started strongly for the Qatari side, coached by former Spain, Real Madrid, and West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui. They quickly took the lead in the ninth minute through a superb strike by 20-year-old forward Mohamed Khaled Gouda from just inside the box.
Zimbabwe, ranked 129th in the world compared to Qatar’s 52nd, didn’t panic. Norway-based defender Munashe Garananga levelled the scores halfway through the first half, powering home a header from a precise Godknows Murwira corner kick.
The second half saw a period of drama at both ends. Goalkeeper Chipezeze kept the Warriors in the game with a stunning 68th-minute save, diving low to deny a goal-bound effort from substitute Mohammed Muntari. Moments later, Daniel Msendami missed a golden opportunity to take the lead, failing to direct a free header into the goal.
The decisive moment came when substitute Bill capitalised on a swift fast break. His shot side-footed Qatar goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham, who seemed to be expecting a cross. Barsham desperately tried to claw the ball out, but it was in vain, giving Zimbabwe a 2-1 lead.
The Warriors could have extended their lead in stoppage time, but Barsham redeemed himself with a superb save to deny Emmanuel Jalai’s looping shot from distance.
Former Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini was part of the crowd in Doha.
The final whistle confirmed a memorable victory for the Warriors, setting a positive tone ahead of their continental challenge.
