Tembo Eyes Positive Result Against Nigeria In Unity Cup Showdown
Anotida
Zimbabwe national football team coach Kaitano Tembo says the warriors must focus on the present and avoid relying on previous results when they face Nigeria in the Unity Cup on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe will take on Nigeria at The Valley Stadium in a match expected to attract strong support from fans living in the United Kingdom.
Tembo acknowledged that the Warriors have enjoyed competitive results against Nigeria in recent meetings but warned against complacency.
“We are playing against a Nigerian side we are very familiar with,” Tembo said ahead of the game.
“We’ve played them a couple of times in the last few years and they failed to beat us. But this is a different game and a different situation.”
The Warriors coach stressed that his side’s priority is to deliver a disciplined and committed performance.
“What’s key is for us to go out there, give our all and play to win,” he said.Tembo added that fan support could play a key role in motivating the players during the tournament.
“We will have more fans coming to support us and that should inspire the players to perform to the best of their abilities.”
Despite not having a full squad early in camp, Tembo said he remains satisfied with the commitment shown by the available players.
“I’ve been impressed with the attitude and mentality from the players in training,” he said.
Coach Tembo will be without key players for the clash including in form forward Tawanda Maswanhise, Tino Kadewere (injured), Bill Antonio (personal commitment) and Devine Lunga (club commitments).
However the warriors will be boosted by the return of Marshal Munetsi and Jordan Zemura to the squad who both missed out 2025 AFCON tournament due to injuries.
The match is set to kickoff at 8.30pm (CAT). Meanwhile in another semi final clash encounter, India plays Jamaica on Wednesday at 8:30pm(CAT).
