Zimbabwe Fall to Nigeria in Kaitano Tembo’s First Match in Charge as Warriors Set Up Third-Place Playoff on 30 May
Anotida
Zimbabwe suffered a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria in the Unity Cup semi-final on Tuesday night at The Valley Stadium in London, as the Super Eagles produced a clinical performance to secure their place in the tournament final in what was Kaitano Tembo’s first match in charge of the Warriors.
Nigeria struck early through Azeez Beloso and never surrendered control of the match, with the forward eventually completing a brace to send the West Africans through to the final in convincing fashion.
The Super Eagles took the lead in the 5th minute after a pull-back from inside the box found Beloso at the edge of the area, and the Nigerian forward fired home with a firm finish beyond Future Sibanda.
Nigeria nearly doubled their advantage moments later when captain Moffi found space inside the area, but Sibanda reacted well to make an important save and keep Zimbabwe in the contest.
The Warriors gradually settled into the game and created promising moments of their own. Zimbabwe’s best first-half chance came in the 18th minute when Zindoga connected with a header that drifted inches over the bar following sustained pressure from a corner situation.
Fabisch also attempted his luck from long range shortly afterwards, while Tawanda Chirewa and Sean Fusire combined brilliantly in the 40th minute before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Junior Zindoga failed to sort out his feet for what looked like a simple finish.
Nigeria continued to threaten in transition and Future Sibanda was again called into action late in the first half, producing a brave one-on-one save in the 44th minute to deny the Super Eagles from extending their lead.
Zimbabwe entered the second half showing more confidence and intensity, enjoying better possession spells and pushing Nigeria deeper during periods of the contest.
A dangerous free-kick situation created pressure early after the restart before Marshall Munetsi went down inside the box under pressure from Nigerian defenders, but appeals for a penalty were waved away by the referee.
The Warriors continued searching for an equaliser and came close again on the hour mark when Munashe Garan’anga rose highest from a corner kick, but his free header failed to hit the target.Nigeria, however, remained dangerous whenever space opened up and eventually punished Zimbabwe again in the 62nd minute.
Beloso reacted quickest from close range to finish off another attacking move and complete his brace, giving the Super Eagles a commanding 2-0 advantage.
Jonah Fabisch forced a save from Okonkwo with a powerful effort in the 72nd minute as Zimbabwe attempted to respond, while Warriors coach Kaitano Tembo introduced Abubakar Moffat, Mongameli Tshuma, Washington Navaya and Daniel Msendami during the closing stages in search of fresh energy.
Despite improved spells in possession during the second half, Zimbabwe struggled to create enough clear-cut opportunities to seriously trouble Nigeria’s defence, while the Super Eagles managed the game professionally until full time.
The defeat means Zimbabwe will now await the loser of the other Unity Cup semi-final between Jamaica and India, which will be played on Wednesday, 27 May.
The Warriors will feature in the 3rd/4th place playoff on 30 May, while Nigeria advance to the final, which will also be played on the same day.
