Zimbabwe beat Malawi 3-0 in their Group L Day Five clash on Sunday at National Sports Stadium in Harare to qualify for the prestigious tournament to be held in Gabon next year.
Goals from Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat and substitute Cuthbert Malajila were enough to ensure that the Warriors qualify for the first time since 2006.
Goals from Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat and substitute Cuthbert Malajila were enough to ensure that the Warriors qualify for the first time since 2006.
The Warriors qualification was aided by Swaziland‘s 1-0 thumping of Guinea. The convincing victory saw the Warriors cement their place at the apex of the group with 11 points, three more than Swaziland. Guinea are third with five points and Malawi at the bottom with just two points.
The match got off on a low note with both teams playing with caution but Zimbabwe were to get their first goal from a penalty which came after man-of-the-moment Billiat was heckled in the box. Musona elected himself for the kick from the spot and sent the Malawi goal the wrong way.
While the home crowd were still celebrating their first goal, Billiat doubled the lead in the 36th minute with an angled shot which went beyond the Flames goalkeeper.
The match got off on a low note with both teams playing with caution but Zimbabwe were to get their first goal from a penalty which came after man-of-the-moment Billiat was heckled in the box. Musona elected himself for the kick from the spot and sent the Malawi goal the wrong way.
While the home crowd were still celebrating their first goal, Billiat doubled the lead in the 36th minute with an angled shot which went beyond the Flames goalkeeper.
The Zimbabweans went to in break with a 2-0 lead and a victory seemingly invincible.
In the second half, Malawi threatened to come back but the Warriors goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva remained vigilant making sure there was no goal.
Zimbabwe scored the third goal in the 86th minute from substitute Malajila to put the icing on the cake and mark their return from the wilderness of African football.
After the match, Warriors coach Kalisto Pasuwa expressed joy after a “dream come true”.
“This is one good thing I wanted as a coach. The players also wanted it and congratulations to everyone. This will definitely enhance my curriculum vitae and the final tournament will be a place for players to showcase their talents. I have always held this in my dreams and I am proud to be one of the few coaches to lead Zimbabwe to the AFCON finals,” said the history maker.
Zimbabwe legend Sunday Chidzambwa was the first to guide the Warriors to AFCON in Tunisia in 2004. Two years later, Charles Mhlauri was at the helm when the team participated at the 2006 finals in Egypt.
Malawi Coach Enerst Mtawali praised Pasuwa’s charges and said Zimbabwe deserved to win and will serve a worthy representative of the COSAFA zone in next year’s finals.
“I think Zimbabwe played well. They have a lot of experience. Good luck to them and we wish them the best when the play at the finals in Gabon next year.” said Mtawali.
Zimbabwe’s final match is away in Conakry but the results will only serve academic purposes.
In the second half, Malawi threatened to come back but the Warriors goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva remained vigilant making sure there was no goal.
Zimbabwe scored the third goal in the 86th minute from substitute Malajila to put the icing on the cake and mark their return from the wilderness of African football.
After the match, Warriors coach Kalisto Pasuwa expressed joy after a “dream come true”.
“This is one good thing I wanted as a coach. The players also wanted it and congratulations to everyone. This will definitely enhance my curriculum vitae and the final tournament will be a place for players to showcase their talents. I have always held this in my dreams and I am proud to be one of the few coaches to lead Zimbabwe to the AFCON finals,” said the history maker.
Zimbabwe legend Sunday Chidzambwa was the first to guide the Warriors to AFCON in Tunisia in 2004. Two years later, Charles Mhlauri was at the helm when the team participated at the 2006 finals in Egypt.
Malawi Coach Enerst Mtawali praised Pasuwa’s charges and said Zimbabwe deserved to win and will serve a worthy representative of the COSAFA zone in next year’s finals.
“I think Zimbabwe played well. They have a lot of experience. Good luck to them and we wish them the best when the play at the finals in Gabon next year.” said Mtawali.
Zimbabwe’s final match is away in Conakry but the results will only serve academic purposes.
By: Cafonline.com
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