Zimbabwe secured a valuable point after holding Equatorial Guinea to a goalless draw in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The Group E encounter took place in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on Thursday evening. However, the Warriors struggled to control proceedings against an energetic home side.
Goalkeeper Nelson Chadya emerged as Zimbabwe’s standout performer. His impressive saves repeatedly frustrated Equatorial Guinea and kept the visitors in contention.
Chadya keeps Warriors alive under pressure
Equatorial Guinea threatened first, but Zimbabwe’s defence initially handled their attacks. Corbin Mthunzi and Kevin Moyo helped contain the hosts during the opening stages.
Zimbabwe created their best opportunity in the 32nd minute. Tawanda Chirewa broke through the defence before shooting over the crossbar.
Meanwhile, Chadya continued making important interventions at the opposite end. Consequently, the Warriors reached halftime without conceding.
Equatorial Guinea increased their intensity after the restart. Chadya produced several outstanding saves during a frantic spell around the 47th minute.
He also denied Pablo’s dangerous free-kick before pushing the ball behind for a corner.
Zimbabwe gradually improved after Ramon Catala introduced Emmanuel Jalai for Chirewa. The coach also reshaped midfield, moving Andy Rinomhota alongside Marshall Munetsi and Marvelous Nakamba.
The tactical adjustment immediately brought some improvement. Tinotenda Kadewere tested the opposition goalkeeper shortly afterwards.
Warriors survive nervy finish ahead of rematch
Kadewere later wasted another opportunity after receiving an excellent pass from Munetsi. However, he failed to beat the advancing goalkeeper.
Daniel Msendami subsequently replaced Bill Antonio in the 75th minute. Equatorial Guinea continued threatening, but Chadya remained difficult to beat.
Abubakar Moffat also replaced Rinomhota as Zimbabwe sought greater control. The visitors gradually improved their midfield presence.
A power failure interrupted proceedings late in the match. Play eventually resumed after a seven-minute delay.
Both teams defended desperately during the closing stages. Ultimately, neither side found the breakthrough.
The result leaves Zimbabwe second in Group E with four points. Equatorial Guinea occupy third place with the same number of points.
Meanwhile, DR Congo strengthened their position at the summit with a 3-1 victory over Sierra Leone.
Zimbabwe will face Equatorial Guinea again on Monday. This time, the Warriors will host their opponents at the National Sports Stadium.
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