Zimbabwe will look to avoid the ‘wooden spoon’ in Group B of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations when they face Guinea at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on Tuesday, January 18, kick-off at 16h00 GMT.
Zimbabwe’s hopes of advancing from the group were dimmed on Friday when they were beaten 2-1 by Malawi. Following from a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Senegal, the South Africans find themselves with zero points from their two matches thus far.
At least they managed a goal against Malawi scored by Ishmael Wadi when he connected with the ball some 15 yards from goal and it looped in.
Although coach Norman Mapeza insists they are still in it, he is aware that a loss will spell an unsuccessful end to their quest to reach the knockout stages.
Mapeza also sampled out strengths and weaknesses from the Warriors loss to Malawi and explained that his boys learnt a lot of lessons from the result as they approach their last game.
“We had a good game plan (against Malawi) but the players never followed the instructions to the latter. I feel disappointed but we have taken important lessons and we have also got positives from the game against Malawi and also Senegal,” Mapeza told CAFOnline.
“We will go back to the drawing board to plan on our next match which is a formality but we would be glad to get positive results against Guinea and go home with something to console us “.
As for Guinea, their 1-0 win against Malawi was followed by a goalless draw against Senegal which placed the Syli Nationale on the verge on making to the knockout stages of the competition.
Guinea sit on the top of the group with four points and will now want to bag their second win and ensure they finish as the top team in their group.
“We came to carry the three points but we are contented with the single point as Senegal came back to the second half looking very strong and determined,” Guinea coach Kaba Diawara said after their second group match.
“It was a tough match but I am happy the reconstruction I have been doing to the team paid off considering we played a very formidable side respected in Africa. We created dangerous situations and our efficiency was very commendable now we go back and prepare for the last game in the group”.
Players such as Naby Keita and Mohamed Bayo are set to pose danger to Zimbabwe whilst Mapeza will be hoping to see Tino Kadewere and Knowledge Musona in fine form.
