Warriors disappoint in Ethiopia

The Zimbabwe Warriors have further complicated matters for themselves in as far qualifying for the 2022 Qatar World Cup is concerned following a disappointing 1-0 loss to Ethiopia at the Bahir Dar International Stadium this afternoon (Tuesday).

The visitors lacked the tenacity of wanting to win from the onset with the hosts dominating most of the first half accumulating a ball possession of 65% against Zimbabwe’s 35%.

For a team that desperately needed to collect maximum points to place themselves in a better position to make it to the global spectacle next year, the Warriors produced a dismal performance which saw them playing second fiddle to Ethiopia.

With no meaningful chances created, the game would go to half time tied at nil-all.

The second half was just a repeat scenario of the first half with Zimbabwe struggling to string passes together while giving the hosts too much room to manouvre.

Despite the introduction of Ishmael Wadi and Farai Madhananga for Perfect Chikwende and Thabani Kamusoko, the Warriors still failed to break the Ethiopians backline.

In response, the hosts turned on the power when they brought on Suleman Hamid and Amanuel Yohanis Gamo with less than 10 minutes to go and their persistence in the attacking third paid off when they won a penalty in stoppage time.

Aschalew Seyoum who plays as a centre-back stepped up and made no mistake and ensured Ethiopia collected the three points and moved to second position with three points tied with Ghana as South Africa top Group G with 4 points.

Zimbabwe now anchor the table with a paltry one point from two matches, a position which places a huge dent on the Warriors qualification hopes.