Zimbabwe got a point against Swaziland here are five things we picked up from the Group L encounter.
Pasuwa’s tactics backfire!
With clearly goals on his mind Warriors head coach Callisto Pasuwa opted to start with four strikers upfront , the move unfortunately backfired and almost cost the squad in the end. Pasuwa’s team lacked structure and with so many players upfront left the Warriors midfield struggling opening itself to attacks by Swaziland. To make matters worse there very few good clean ball coming to the attack.The squad desperately needs a creative player and why Nakamba was left on the bench only Pasuwa knows!
Malajila clearly out of form
Cuthbert Malajila has been struggling to get a starting place at Mamelodi Sundowns but was thrown in Pasuwa’s first 11. Malajila was invisible for large parts of the game and resembled a player struggling with his game and confidence. His selection was another bad call by Pasuwa. He was eventually substituted for Evans Rusike later in the second half.
Costa Nhamoinesu is rock solid
You don’t get named in the Europa Team of the week unless you very good and that is exactly what Nhamoinesu is. His experience was so vital for Zimbabwe and showed great calmness and gave the shaky defence some much needed confidence.He also launched quite an impressive leap in the box at one point and came close to getting a header in as well.
Tatenda Mukuruva is Zimbabwe best keeper at the moment
The Dynamos keeper showed why he probably is the number one keeper at the moment. Mukuruva made three key saves in the last fifteen minutes to keep Swaziland out. His save in the 88th minute was a stunning effort,probably Zimbabwe ‘s best player against Swaziland. He selection has been at times questioned but proved why he can be trusted between the posts.
Swaziland have improved and are no longer pushovers
Gone are the days when Zimbabwe could thump Swaziland 5-0. The tiny kingdom has made great strides in its football and are no pushovers. They caused Zimbabwe many anxious moments despite their largely locally based squad and after upsetting Guinea already showed why they can’t be underrated in this group.
Despite the draw Zimbabwe and Swaziland have been handed a boost after Guinea and Malawi could only draw 0-0 in the other Group game. Swaziland and Zimbabwe are tied on five points while Guinea and Malawi have two points each.
