The Zimbabwe national team came from behind to draw 1-1 with Guinea in an AFCON qualifier played at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon.
Also see :Action as it happened
Zimbabwe had a horror start when the conceded in the 2nd minute of the game. Danny Phiri’s back pass saw the ball hit Arubi’s knees and kindly fall into the path of Idrissa Sylla who scored.
Shocked by the goal Zimbabwe tried to recover and Musona almost levelled but his well taken shot was kept out by the keeper.
Zimbabwe eventually settled and 14 minutes into the match Musona raced into the box but struggled to hit the target at an acute angle.
Nyasha Mushekwi then came inches close to an equaliser when he just missed with a diving header after a beautiful cross by the impressive Khama Billiat . The cross just brushed off the far post as Guinea survived another attack.
In the 34th minute Zimbabwe got their equaliser and it was Musona. The Belgium based striker did well to beat the offside trap with a fine run to set himself up in front of goal and beat the keeper. The goal lifted both the impressive crowd and players as Zimbabwe increased the pressure for the rest of the half.
Halftime came with the score level at 1-1.
The Warriors started the second half well causing problems forcing Guinea to defend.Billiat’s run and crosses on the left wing opened up opportunities but Zimbabwe failed to capitalise.
Malajila failed to connect from Billiat’s well-timed cross and a minute later the Sundowns man missed net with a free header.
Musona also continued to probe but came so close as well. The 69th minute saw the introduction on Matthew Rusike for the Mushekwi after the striker had failed to impose himself.
Eight minutes from time Pasuwa agitated fans when he removed a lively Billiat for Kuda Mahachi who wasn’t as effective.
Guinea almost stole the game in the 83rd minute when Biugacra’s run saw him find his team mate in the box but his shot just went wide.
Four minutes later the Warriors could have won it for themselves when Musona saw his free kick force a good save from the Guinea keeper.
Zimbabwe continued to search for a winner into added time but it was not to be as the two teams settled for a point. With Malawi and Swaziland playing out a 2-2 draw the results sees the Warriors move to 2nd in the group after two games. Zimbabwe have now four points the same as Swaziland.
Zimbabwe XI: Arubi,Jaure,Ncube, Nhamoinesu,Chipeta,Katsande, Billiat, Musona,Phiri,Malajila,Mushekwi
Guinea XI : Mousa,Florentine,Isaga,Fode,Ousma,Idrisa,Alhassane,Diarra,Ianfia,Biugacra,Seydouba
