Pasuwa fielded a largely makeshift team for the encounter, after he fell victim to an expansive club-versus-country raw that denied him many of the team’s key players. He now has a tough call to make on whether to extensively change a winning team ahead of the second leg in Cameroon next week.
After the match he said the squad would indeed need some re-enforcements ahead of the second leg, but those changes might need to be well-calculated and limited, lest he be blamed for changing a winning team – should Zimbabwe lose in Cameroon.
On Sunday’s evidence, Zimbabwe could well have been able to register a bigger victory had Pasuwa fielded rising stars like Walter Musona, Nqobizitha Masuku, Takudzwa Mahori, Thomas Chidewu, and possibly, Kuda Mahachi.
While the defence of Blessing Moyo, Teenage Hadebe, Liberty Chakoroma and Ronald Pfumbidzai did well, defensive midfielder John Takawira found himself overwhelmed in his first international game and could not acquit himself on ball distribution.
Triangle midfielder Praise Tonha, captain Wisdom Mutasa, and winger Malvin Gaki had some fine moments, but the effects of the chaotic preparations were evident, with the lack of fluidity hampering their effectiveness.
Hwange left-back come midfielder Pritchard Mpelele was deployed as the central striker and although he did well to create Zimbabwe’s goal, it was also clear he was out of his depth in that position.
Dynamos new signing Carlos Rusere has struggled for game time in pre-season and although he is evidently a Pasuwa favourite, his performance yesterday clearly showed he was short on match fitness.
But the identity of those who pave way for the team’s returning stars is Pasuwa’s decision to make, and he will be judged on the results.
Post published in: Football