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Innocent Kurira, [email protected]

THE Warriors will attempt to overturn a 3-0 deficit against Eswatini in the Africa Nations Championships (Chan) first-round, second-leg qualifier at Mbombela Stadium in South Africa today.

Eswatini secured a remarkable victory in the first leg, thanks to Andy Magagula’s double and Sifiso Matse’s strike, all scored in the first-half. Despite participating in five out of seven Chan tournaments, Zimbabwe struggled to contain Eswatini, who are among 22 African nations yet to reach the Chan finals.

Michael Nees Warriors coach

Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi, assistant to Warriors head coach Michael Nees, has been tasked with guiding Zimbabwe’s development side.

Chiragwi knows the Warriors should never have found themselves in this situation and the backlash that awaits him if he fails to pull off this miracle. Zimbabwe may have chosen to use an experimental squad made largely of players under the age of 23, but the local football fraternity will never stomach a defeat to Eswatini under any circumstances.

Takesure Chiragwi

Warriors’ legend Zenzo Moyo offered a measured perspective.

“When you start a process like this, surely these are the results you expect. It’s not about overturning the result but building a team that will be a force to reckon with in the few years to come.”
Sports commentator Buhle Ncube countered: “Players should be groomed at club level. When it’s the national team, we expect results. This tournament should be an opportunity for our best players in the local league to shine.”

Notably, Eswatini is coached by Zdravko Logarusic, whose tenure as Warriors coach was cut short by the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) in 2021.
A victory against his former employers would be sweet revenge. Chiragwi has reinforced his squad with Dynamos pair Emmanuel Jalai and goalkeeper Martin Mapisa. Should the Warriors overcome Eswatini, they will face Madagascar in the second round.

Part of the Warriors Chan squad preparing for Eswatini

Zimbabwe returns to the contest after being absent from the previous edition due to an international ban. Their best Chan finish was fourth place in 2014 under Ian Gorowa. The 2025 Chan finals will be held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from 1-28 February 2025.

Goalkeepers:
Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn), Martin Mapisa (Dynamos), Joseph Kaunda (Manica Diamonds)

Defenders:
Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Godknows Murwira (Caps United), Allan Chapinduka (TelOne FC), Anotidaishe Gwatidzo (Yadah FC), Thubelihle Jubani (Manica Diamonds), Zibusiso Ruguchu (Herentals), Blessing Kagudu (Herentals), Chris Mukumbira (Bikita Minerals)

Midfielders:
Brian Banda (FC Platinum), Blessed Ndereki (Yadah FC), Mthokozisi Msebe (Simba Bhora), McKinnon Mushore (Highlanders), Tinashe Mashaireni (Kwekwe United), Denzel Mapuwa (Green Fuel), Enock Moyo (Bikita Minerals)

Forwards:
Obriel Chirinda (Ngezi Platinum), Junior Bunjira (Caps United), Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (FC Platinum), Tinashe Mavhudzi (Chegutu Pirates), Prince Ndlovu (Highlanders), Ashwin Karengesha (ZPC Kariba).
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