The Zimbabwe Warriors secured their first win in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers, topping Group J with a 1-0 defeat of Namibia at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg. Despite being outplayed by Namibia, the Warriors demonstrated defensive strength with clean sheets in recent matches. Namibia’s coach expressed disappointment over missed opportunities as both teams prepare for a rematch on Monday.
The Zimbabwe national football team, known as the Warriors, has successfully ascended to the top of Group J in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers following a narrow victory over Namibia, ending the match with a score of 1-0 at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, on Thursday afternoon. This victory marks the Warriors’ first win in the qualifying campaign after enduring two goalless draws against Kenya and Cameroon in the preceding month. With this win, Zimbabwe now boasts a total of 5 points, placing them ahead of Kenya, which has 4 points, Cameroon with 4 points, and Namibia at the bottom of the group with 0 points. Despite Namibia’s overall dominance in possession and creating scoring opportunities, Zimbabwe’s coach Michael Nees expressed satisfaction with his team’s resilience and their well-earned victory. He stated, “The game was a hard fight, exactly what we anticipated. We were fighting to have luck at the right time, that’s all we could do today. It was all about fighting until the end and we got a well-deserved win.” Under coach Nees, the Warriors have demonstrated significant improvements in their defensive play, achieving three consecutive clean sheets. On the contrary, Namibia’s performance was marred by missed opportunities, culminating in their third consecutive defeat in the group stage. Namibia’s head coach, Collin Benjamin, expressed disappointment despite acknowledging Zimbabwe’s victory. He remarked, “Congratulations to Zimbabwe that is football, but I’m of the opinion that my team was the better team and created chances. We had about nine chances that we didn’t convert and in the end, we are sitting here with zero points and zero goals. This hurts especially when you know you were the better team.” Both teams will reconvene on Monday for a reverse fixture at the same venue, promising an intriguing sequel to this closely contested match.
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers are crucial tournaments for national teams across the continent, as they vie for spots in the prestigious AFCON tournament. Group J features four teams: Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya, and Cameroon. The rankings and points accrued during these qualifying matches are essential for teams aiming to qualify for the 2025 AFCON Finals. Zimbabwe’s recent performance, including their victory over Namibia, is pivotal as it positions them at the top of the group and showcases their gradual improvement, especially in defense.
In conclusion, the Warriors’ triumph over Namibia is a significant milestone in their 2025 AFCON Qualifiers campaign, highlighting both their defensive strength and the determination necessary for success in competitive matches. While Namibia’s coach demonstrated frustration regarding his team’s inability to convert chances, the upcoming encounter promises further opportunity for both teams to showcase their talents. As the tournament progresses, every match becomes increasingly critical for each team’s aspirations to secure a place at AFCON 2025.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
