Date: 11 October 2024
Version – 1
Title: Lunga’s Zimbabwe Defeat Namibia in AFCON Qualifiers
Divine Lunga’s Zimbabwe defeated Peter Shalulile’s Namibia 1-0 on Thursday at Orlando Stadium, in an AFCON Qualifiers fixture that was played behind closed doors. Shalulile started the match while Lunga started on the bench to later come in to help with his side hold on to the 1-0 scoreline until the very end.
Early in the game, there was a goal produced by Zimbabwe to break the deadlock. There was a dangerous tackle in the box, that saw the referee point to the spot. The penalty shot found the back of the net to see them lead.
Despite the goal, Shalulile and his side were dominant and created clear-cut chances that sent Zimbabwe’s goalie to work. A few of their chances hit the bar. Namibia’s urgency started to be visible in the dying minutes of the opening half, as they looked to level matters before the break, but their attempts were not fruitful as they headed to the locker rooms one goal down.
Upon the return of play, the Brave Warriors looked more stronger as they created dangerous chances. This forced the Zimbabwean coach, Micheal Nees, to look introduce the likes of Lunga, to strengthen the defence. Shalulile was not selfish with the ball in the final third as he delivered the ball to his teammate but the attempt to score went wide.
Seeing the danger Namibia was posing, the Warriors levelled their efforts to not only defend, but to also try to extend their lead. They created a big chance from a tight angle towards the end of the second half, but the Namibian goalkeeper was still at work ensuring that more goals are not conceded. The score remained 1-0, with Zimbabwe walking away with three points.
Thursday’s results mean that Zimbabwe top Group J with 5 points, while Namibia are at the bottom of the tally. The return fixture between the two sides will be on Monday, the 14th of October 2024. Kick-off is scheduled for 18H00.
