HARARE - The Zimbabwe Warriors suffered a humiliating exit from the African Nations Championships(CHAN) tournament in Sudan after they were beaten 2-1 by a third string side in a battle for a quarter final place at the weekend.
The CHAN tournament is designed exclusively for home based players and South Africa who are preparing for the crucial third round of the 2012 African Nations Cup qualifier against Egypt next month, chose to field a host of players from the lower divisions league for the CHAN tournament while calling up the best players to prepare for the Egypt encounter.
But still, the Warriors who fielded their best players from the domestic league bowed out once again after they were beaten by a ten men Bafana Bafana’s C side.
The Warriors under the guidance of caretaker coach Madinda Ndlovu failed to build on Norman Marotos early goal and Bafana Bafana fought back with strikes by Bheki Shabangu and Kenny Mthimkhulu to send their neighbours home from the bi-annual tournament.
Zimbabwe needed a win to make sure of progress, and Marotos headed goal after just 120 seconds signaled early intent.
But the Warriors could not hold onto their lead as Shabangu leveled matters on the half-hour mark. The comeback was complete on 62 minutes as Mthimkhulu stroked the ball past Washington Arubi.
The Warriors finished third with three points. South Africa topped the group with nine and the debutantes Niger second with six while Ghana failed to pick a single point.
Zimbabwe were making their second successive appearance at the tournament after taking part in the inaugural edition in Ivory Coast in 2009. Then, as now, the Warriors bowed out at the preliminary stage of the competition. Sunday Chidzambwa was in charge of the team when they made their maiden appearance at the tournament in Ivory Coast.
Post published in: Football