The Warriors crashed out of CHAN 2016 tournament after suffering a second successive defeat . We look at the key reasons for the early exit and also asked fans to point out what they saw.
Here are they are:
Poor preparations
After the firing and subsequent rehiring of Callisto Pasuwa the Warriors preparations improved somewhat with players getting their dues. However the lack of proper friendlies in the build up to CHAN2016 was always a cause of concern. A situation that greatly concerned Pasuwa. The Warriors didn’t have any friendly to try out combinations and allow the team to gel despite approaches from Cameroon and other national team. ZIFA really cost on this one and need to take the blame on that one.
Poor finishing
In both games against Zambia and Mali the Warriors had better scoring chances but failed to bury their chances. The strike force got into great positions only to lose out through lack of precision and indecision. Edmore Chirambadare, Knox Mutizwa,Rodreck Mutuma, William Manondo and Francesco Zekumbawire all fell short when it mattered the most.
Pasuwa’s tactical shortcomings
To be fair there was a great improvement in the Warriors display against Mali after a poor display against Zambia. Pasuwa got a number of calls wrong in the first game. Ronald Chitiyo seemed to be played out of position the striking partnership of Mutizwa and Francesco failed to click while the team lacked creativity in the critical midfield department. Changes were made in the second game leading to improvements but still the squad fell short. The decision to bring in 2015 league season scorer only late into the game was also questionable.
Lack of quality
When compared to the class of 2014 which reached the semi-finals stage the current crop of locally based players lacked in quality. The indecision and lack of technique showed upfront to the lack of basic ball control throughout the squad was concerning. Too many times players failed to get their first touch something that’s simply unacceptable at this level.
Fans have also given their reasons for the Warriors exit here are some contributions from our Facebook page:
Joe Mupandaguta Mediocrity costed us. U can’t blame the coach. The team had proper structure. We did not have quality legs. no individual brilliants. Two players had a one on one with the goalkeeper and they all blew away the chances. We conceded typical goal that was scored by Zambia. Poor defence. I also blame our league. How come we still have players that can’t control a ball worse they can’t shot at the goal. BLACK MARKET
Mengezi Sokhela We havent scored in two games n we have conceded 2 identical goals in 2 matches. What is e coach teaching em at training ? U cant afford to repeat e same at this level. Y was Knox kept tht long on e bench tht long? Remember we once drew w Comoros. Pasuwa out ASAP , he failed on e African safari w Dynamos so he jus proved his quality ere
Chafinha Shilling Strikers. No wonder why top goal scorer cannot score 15 goals in 30games. Moses Chunga once scored 46goals in 30games. Pasuwa is only a coach. He cannot score goals for us.
Bornapate Nkomo Pasuwa and the technical team. Why change the goal keeper; why change strikers from the first game; there was no midfield at all. Ngqobizitha was never in the game but he removes Chitiyo. Even Mutuma was showing good movements! Sorry Zim! Chiyangwa has at least got the money for coach and the boys!
Huggins Mandere First l blame Zifa y because they failed to provide even 1 Friendly match. 2 l blame Sir Pasuwa for wrong selection
Innocent Incyee Shumba The strikers if you see the chances we missed poor striking force when they face the gate poor shorts .Poor perfomance from madondo,francisco and this edmore too much styling in the box not finding the back of the net ,madondo have a chance facing the goalkeeper what a lost chance