…The 13-month wait for a victory is over.
After a barren stretch that included failing to beat Lesotho, Zimbabwe's Warriors finally broke their run in the most convincing way last night. They stunned the 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar 2-1 at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha.
Munashe Garananga hauled Zimbabwe level before halftime after Mohamed Khaled’s early strike for the hosts. Substitute Bill Antonio sealed the comeback with a cool finish 15 minutes from time.
The win was a major statement in only the second match for new coach Marian “Mario” Marinica, whose tactical structure and intent were clear despite the team conceding inside eight minutes.
The performance was a sharp turnaround from last week's 3-1 loss to Algeria in Saudi Arabia. This trip to the Gulf felt like a direct reply from Marinica to recent "social media noise" and claims of a fallout with players. Instead, the win offered proof of unity and a clear plan ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco next summer.
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As Zimbabwe’s final match before the tournament, the result builds crucial momentum. Marinica is no stranger to AFCON success, having guided Malawi to a surprise last-16 spot at the 2021 edition in Cameroon. Last night’s performance gives Zimbabwe every reason to trust his leadership as they chase a historic place in the knockout stages for the first time in six attempts.
On paper, the rankings suggested a mismatch: Qatar sits 52nd in the world, with Zimbabwe at 129th. You wouldn't have guessed it. Marinica made five bold changes from the side beaten by Algeria, handing starts to Elvis Chipezeze, Godknows Murwira, Marvelous Nakamba, Emmanuel Jalai, and Daniel Msendami in a 3-5-2 formation. The gamble paid off, with Chipezeze particularly sharp in goal, keeping out wave after wave of Qatari attacks.
The Warriors were rocked early when Khaled bent a perfect shot into the top corner. Qatar dominated possession, at one point enjoying an 80-20 share, but Zimbabwe refused to wilt. Their response embodied the pre-match calls for unity from Marinica and captain Nakamba. They forced a corner, Godknows Murwira curled it in, and Garananga rose highest to power home the equaliser.
From there, Zimbabwe settled and grew in confidence, forcing Qatar's coach, Tintín Márquez, into seven second-half substitutions. While chasing a winner, Qatar left gaps, and Antonio punished them. The substitute picked up a loose ball on the right, drove forward, and his audacious cross-shot found the far corner to give Zimbabwe the lead.
The Warriors protected their lead with discipline, organisation, and a renewed spirit that carried them over the line. After the final whistle, Marinica gathered his players for a loud war cry, a clear sign of the togetherness forged on this trip.
“We still need to work hard, but these are the good signs," Marinica said. "I am very happy with the win.”
The team is expected back home shortly, where local-based players will enter camp. Foreign-based stars will join them later as final AFCON preparations begin.
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