Hope not lost for the Warriors

The future of ZIMBABWE’s national football team hangs in the balance following their 1-1 draw with Uganda in the Afcon 2019 Finals in Egypt on Wednesday night.

But hope is not lost.

The Warriors will now need to win their last game against the DRC with at least a three-goal margin and bank on Egypt beating Uganda by any scoreline.

That will guarantee the Southern African nation four points and a better goal difference, resulting in an automatic ticket for the second round.

In that group A, Egypt have already qualified for the second round with six points after they floored the DRC 2-0. However, they cannot afford a loss to Uganda who are on four points and end second, risking facing the big guns from other groups in the next stage.

That gives Zimbabwe hope.

In the event that Egypt and Uganda play a draw, a result good enough for Egypt, Zimbabwe will fail to get automatic qualification.

In such a situation, the Warriors will bank on qualifying as one of the best four third-placed teams from the six Afcon groups.

Sunday Chidzambwa’s charges will then need to win big against the DRC to ensure they stand a chance, with four points.

Zimbabwe’s chances in such a scenario will be more clearer after all the teams have played at least two matches.

Group A