Story by Milton Marima
“WARRIORS STAGE STUNNING COMEBACK AHEAD OF DRC CLASH”
The Zimbabwe Warriors made a remarkable start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, coming from two goals down to beat Sierra Leone 3–2 in a dramatic Group E encounter played in El Jadida, Morocco, on Thursday.
Sierra Leone appeared to be in control after taking a 2–0 lead into half-time. Alie Conteh opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Sallieu Tarawallie doubled the advantage in the 27th minute, leaving Zimbabwe facing an uphill task in the second half.
However, the Warriors produced a completely different performance after the break. Marshall Munetsi started the comeback in the 72nd minute before Tawanda Chirewa levelled the contest just four minutes later.
With the game heading towards its final stages, Munetsi completed his brace in the 88th minute to give Zimbabwe a dramatic 3–2 victory and all three points.
The victory gives the Warriors an important early boost in Group E. Zimbabwe currently have three points, the same as the Democratic Republic of Congo, who also opened their campaign with a 2–0 victory over Equatorial Guinea.
Attention now turns to Monday, September 28, when Zimbabwe welcome the DRC to the National Sports Stadium in Harare for Match day 2. The match is scheduled for a 6pm kick-off.
The DRC will arrive with confidence after their opening victory, with Chancel Mbemba scoring early before Yoane Wissa added the second goal against Equatorial Guinea.
For the Warriors, the main challenge will be to avoid another slow start. While the comeback against Sierra Leone demonstrated their resilience and attacking ability, conceding twice in the opening half exposed areas the team will need to address against a DRC side that has already shown its ability to punish defensive mistakes.
Monday’s encounter will also mark the Warriors’ return to the National Sports Stadium for the first time in five years. The last meeting between Zimbabwe and the DRC at the stadium was in 2018, when the two sides drew 1–1 in an AFCON qualifier.
With both teams entering the match on three points, the Group E encounter presents an important opportunity for either side to strengthen its position early in the qualification race.
For the Warriors, the message is clear the fighting spirit shown in Morocco will have to be matched with a more disciplined start and greater defensive concentration when they face the Leopards in Harare.
