How Zim Lost DRC Afcon Game Before Kick-Off

… A reflection on why 107 Fifa ranking is no true strength of the team

Mugove Chigada

ZIMBABWE virtually lost the DRC game before kick-off at the last Afcon finals in Egypt, if what transpired before the match is anything to go by.

Former Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa has painted a sad picture of Zimbabwe’s football history, admitting that money problems between Zifa and the players worked against all efforts.

He was speaking on Zimpapers TV Network popular football show, The Couch.

After defeat to hosts Egypt in the first game, and a draw with Uganda in the second group match, Zimbabwe still had a chance of qualifying if they had won against DRC.

What followed was a humiliating 4-0 defeat to DRC, an indication of how Zifa continues to bungle, giving a distorted reflection of Zimbabwe’s Fifa ranking.

“Against DRC, there were so many problems. According to what the Zifa board and the players agreed, there wasn’t to be any game at all up until the technical team spoke to Mushekwi,” said Chidzambwa.

That situation meant that Zimbabwe was to go into history of the Afcon finals for bad reasons and attract sanctions from CAF.

“We had to try and persuade these players to play the game.”

Chidzambwa’a comments come at a time when Zifa are under fire to improve their operations to realise the full potential of the team.

Zimbabwe’s 107 World Fifa ranking is shocking given the national team’s football strength.

And that Zimbabwe, who are ranked 24 in Africa, have now qualified for a third consecutive Afcon final, also gives credence to a team going against the grain to try and reach its full potential.