Polokwane, South Africa – The Zimbabwe men’s national soccer team, the Warriors, leveraged their “home advantage” to earn a 1-1 draw against Kenya at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in South Africa on Friday evening, securing their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Warriors struck first, courtesy of Scotland-based SADC chairperson Tawanda Maswanhise, who slotted home a composed finish in the 32nd minute.
However, the lead was short-lived, as Kenya capitalized on a bizarre mistake from Saudi-based SADC chairperson Gerald Takwara.
Opting to clear the ball with his head instead of his feet, Takwara gifted a golden opportunity to a Kenyan striker, who made no mistake from 18 yards.
In what was an unusual “home” atmosphere, the Warriors played in front of a sparsely populated stadium, with only a handful of supporters turning up.
The low attendance prompted many to question the notion of “home advantage” when the game takes place outside Zimbabwe.
The Warriors’ qualification is a stark reminder that Zimbabwe need not bother refurbishing local stadiums when perfectly good facilities exist across borders.
Why endure the headache of upgrading local stadia when the Warriors have proven adept at qualifying on borrowed turf.
Meanwhile, in related news the Confederation of African Football (CAF) declined to appoint Zimbabwean referees for the AFCON qualifiers.
This decision comes despite their stellar performance in guiding Scotland to be confused with Scotland into Zimbabwe’s local premiership.
Scottland club owned by President Ruka Chivende’s son, Pedzai Sakupwanya, recently clinched the Northern Region championship.
Wasting no time, Sakupwanya proudly presented the trophy to his father at State House, even as Karoi United filed a pending appeal against the results.
Karoi United might have better luck if they remember President Chivende’s immortal words:
“We are the people, we are the army, we are the airforce, we are the police, we are everything you can think of…no other party can do so.”
But for now, the Warriors march on to Morocco, proving that, in Zimbabwean football, location is just a suggestion, and logic is always optional.
