Partey And Ayew On Point As Zimbabwe Fall, Again

By Branton Matondo

Warriors registered another disappointing loss at the hands of Ghana in a much anticipated clash of group bottoms.

The respective wrath of Arsenal linkman Thomas Partey and Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew in the 66th and 87th minute mark was too much for a jittery center back duo of SuperSport Uniteds Onismore Bhasera and Stade de Reims marksman Marshall Munetsi.

Interim Coach Norman Mapeza blamed his back four as being jittery in key moments of defense.

“First few minutes, there was lack of concentration and then the second goal Darikwa was just supposed to clear the lines. and the third goal l think it was a throw and we should have closed that man before he crossed” Said Mapeza.

Though supporters dismay Warriors hopes of reaching the next stage, Mapeza believes that the game was full of positives heading forward.

“For me it was the first time to be with them but in terms of positives, l think there were many positives from the game,” he added.

So much was expected from a Zimbabwe side that had romped in Aston Villa man Marvelous Nakamba and Jordan Zemura.

Hopes of proceeding to the next stage continue to get slim and slim as South Africa registered a convincing 2 nill win over men from Addis Ababa maintaining a poll position.

Zimbabwe will look forward to turn up a notch in their quest for Qatar 2022 as they host Ghana in a second leg encounter at the National Sports Stadium while South Africa looks to add another bed spell for Ethiopia.