All not lost as Warriors turn focus to home tie

The Warriors may have woken up to the reality of Algeria’s ruthless nature following a 3-1 defeat yesterday evening but not all is lost heading into Monday’s reverse Afcon fixture which could change the complexion of Zimbabwe’s Afcon qualification chances.

In order to turn around their fortunes Zimbabwe will need to be more clinical in front of goal after Khama Billiat and Tino Kadewere both had opportunities of handing the Warriors with a lead. First Billiat’s shot from inside the box was a huge chance while a free header presented to Tino Kadewere did not yield a goal.

Kadewere had another huge chance in the second stanza but the Olympique Lyon forward showed his class with a cheeky finish towards the end. Had Zimbabwe been more clinical the result may have been different but defensive frailties need to be addressed if the Warriors are to upset Algeria on home soil.

Particularly worrying was Elvis Chipezeze’s inability to save a ball any international goalkeeper is expected to deal with. As for other conceded goals Divine Lunga was guilty of being caught flat footed in the build up to the first goal while failure to check a run by Sofiane Feghouli saw Zimbabwe being punished.

Heading into Monday’s reverse fixture slated for the national sports stadium Zimbabwe will need to be more clinical in front of goal with tighter defending vital if Zimbabwe is to avoid back to back defeats. Apart from losing yesterday’s game Zdravcko Logarusic may have been encouraged to see the Warriors dominating periods of yesterday’s encounter although the biggest set back was failing to convert chances which were created.