ZIMBABWE’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign ended in heartbreak as the Warriors succumbed 3-2 to South Africa in a pulsating Group B encounter. Captain Marvelous Nakamba and defender Devine Lunga’s errors proved costly, effectively sealing the team’s fate in the tournament.
The match, played at the Stade de Marrakech in Marrakech, will be remembered for all the wrong reasons for Zimbabwe. Nakamba’s deliberate handball in the box gifted South Africa a penalty, which was coolly converted by Oswin Appollis. The decision was made even tougher by VAR, leaving Zimbabwe’s bench furious.
Lunga, whose defensive ability was expected to anchor the team, had a night to forget. A defensive lapse led to Tshepang Moremi’s goal South Africa’s opener, while Lunga’s back header to the keeper allowed Lyle Foster to score. Despite Tawanda Maswanhise’s stunning individual effort and an Aubrey Modiba own goal, Zimbabwe couldn’t recover from the early setbacks.
Nakamba’s post-match apology fell flat, “I’m sorry but it’s part of life.” His unapologetic tone only added to the frustration. Lunga, who struggled with his positioning throughout the match, was visibly distraught.
This heartbreaking exit marks Zimbabwe’s failure to progress beyond the group stage since 2004. Coach Marian Marinica faces tough questions about his team’s performance, particularly the defensive vulnerabilities exposed by South Africa’s attack.
Zimbabwe’s exit leaves Egypt on seven points as group winners and SA runners-up on six. For Zimbabwe, it’s a painful departure from the tournament, with Nakamba and Lunga’s errors likely to be remembered for a long time.
