Misfiring Warriors Face Uphill Task in Africa Championships

HARARE —  Zimbabwe’s Warriors on Thursday put themselves in a difficult position in their quest to reach the quarter finals of the African Nations Championships ahead of their final group match against Burkina Faso on Monday.

Too many missed chances against Uganda and Morocco at the weekend have left the Warriors in a difficult position as they now need nothing short of victory against the impressive Burkina Faso in their last game to qualify for the quarter finals for the first time.

Although technically the Warriors can still qualify should they draw against Burkina Faso and Morocco lose to Uganda, the odds are heavily staked against them.

Even the singing and the drum beating that was so loud against Morocco and in the first half against Uganda are beginning to die down as the Warriors’ followers are no longer sure of their team’s future in the competition.

Back home, the fans are also skeptical of the Warriors’ chances with their views on the social networks clear that they were and are not expecting much from their team.

No-one sums up the feelings of the Zimbabwean football public better than former Dynamos striker and assistant coach, Tonderayi Ndiraya, who thinks the Warriors are packing their bags and coming back home early.

Uganda lead the group with four points, followed by Morocco and Zimbabwe, both on two points. The Stallions are rock bottom on one point.

The Ugandan Cranes play Morocco while Zimbabwe take on Burkina Faso to decide who goes through to the next round.

A win against the Stallions will see the Warriors qualify as they will move to five points. But football commentator Spencer Nyamadzawo thinks the Warriors will not stand a chance against the impressive Burkinabis.

Prior to the tournament one analyst predicted that Zimbabwe would be eliminated after three draws in the tournament. So far, it is two draws with one game to go.

Against Burkina Faso on Monday, the Warriors will have to improve in their goal scoring should they need a win and qualify for the quarter finals.