World Cup Qualifier: Zimbabwe comes from behind to steal a draw against Nigeria
By Darlington Gatsi
ZIMBABWE came from a goal down to draw against Nigeria 1-1, denting the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
Substitute Tawanda Chirewa broke the hearts of Nigerians who, in the 90th minute, thought they had sealed a victory against Zimbabwe after Victor Osimhen had sent them ahead.
The large part of the encounter was one-sided, with Nigeria laying a siege in the Zimbabwe half with Osimhen forcing a save from Washington Arubi in the seventh minute. The resultant corner kick was also saved by Arubi.
Arubi became the busiest of the goalkeepers in the first ten minutes with the Nigerians mounting several attacks.
Walter Musona hit the side net after he skillfully outmanoeuvred the Nigerian defense in the 14th minute.
Zimbabwe also mounted an attack in the 19th minute with Marshall Munetsi connecting well with Khama Billiat, but the forward could not bury the chance.
To its credit, the Zimbabwean defense held its own to approach the half-time without being breached by the Nigerian attack.
When the second stanza resumed, the Super Eagles continued from where they left off but could not pass through Arubi, much to their frustration.
It was a matter of when, not if, Zimbabwe would concede, and they did with Osimhen heading Nigeria ahead in the 73rd minute.
Three minutes later, Knowledge Musona saw his effort coming off the crossbar as Zimbabwe sought an equaliser.
An equaliser came in the stoppage time with Chirewa slotting in a cross from fellow substitute Jethro Maswanhise.
Zimbabwe leaves Nigeria with their pride intact, with Michael Nees yet to lose a match as the Warriors coach in the qualifying group.
The draw against Nigeria leaves Zimbabwe occupying the basement of Group C with four points with chances of qualifying for next year’s World Cup all but gone.
