FRANCISTOWN, Botswana – Zimbabwe moved to the brink of qualifying for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations finals after a battling 1-0 victory away to Botswana on Thursday.
Perfect Chikwende, making his first senior start, scored the solitary goal after 14 minutes as Zimbabwe defended resolutely to seal victory at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown.
Zimbabwe will book their place at the finals in Cameroon if Zambia fail to beat Algeria in a late kick-off.
A Zambia win in Lusaka would force a dramatic Group H final fixture showdown with the Warriors next Monday, although a draw in that match would see the Warriors through.
Zimbabwe were missing several stars due to Covid-19 travel restrictions and injuries. Their preparations were not made easy by arduous travel arrangements which meant the players only took their mandatory Covid-19 tests in the morning on Thursday – delaying kick-off by some 40 minutes as results were awaited.
The Warriors settled early, and took the lead when Chikwende profited from unconvincing goalkeeping by Kabelo Dambe who parried a freekick into the path of the Simba SC striker who headed in from close range.
Botswana, needing a win to keep their qualification hopes alive, took command after that goal as they searched for an equaliser but Zimbabwe defended resolutely to keep their destiny in their hands.
Should Zimbabwe qualify, it would be their fifth Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Botswana XI: Kabelo Dambe, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Onkarabile Ratanang, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Simisani Mathumo, Gape Gaogangwe, Tlhalefo Molebatsi, Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Onkabetse Makgantai, Thero Setsile, Kobamelo Kebaikanye
Zimbabwe XI: Talbert Shumba, Takudzwa Chimwemwe, Teenage Hadebe, Jimmy DzingaI, Onismor Bhasera, Thabani Kamusoko, Ovidy Karuru, Perfect Chikwende, Kuda Mahachi, Knowledge Musona (Captain), Terrence Dzvukamanje
Coach: Zdravko Logarusic
