Wasteful Zimbabwe held by Kenya

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Friday Sep 06, 2024. 17:20

Kenya held Zimbabwe to a 0-0 draw in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification Group J match at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda on Friday.

The two teams will both be in action on Tuesday as Kenya lock horns with the Brave Warriors of Namibia in South Africa, while Zimbabwe play host to Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions in Uganda.

The two teams struggled to create chances in the opening stages and the Harambee Stars were forced to make a change in the 21st minute when Amos Nondi replaced the injured Alphonce Omija.

The Warriors applied pressure on Kenya’s defence towards the half-time break and Khama Billiat’s deflected pass found Tawanda Chirewa whose goal-bound shot was bravely blocked by Nondi in the 37th minute. The score was 0-0 at half-time.

Billiat became a busy man in the second-half as he looked to create chances and score for Zimbabwe. The Yadah FC superstar tried to find the top corner in the 65th minute, but his effort narrowly missed the target.

Marshall Munetsi was then sent through on goal in the 77th minute by Billiat, but the Zimbabwe captain couldn’t keep his attempt on target. Ultimately, the match ended in a 0-0 draw as Kenya and Zimbabwe shared the spoils.

Kenya 0

Zimbabwe 0

Kenya: B. Odhiambo, Abuya (Tera 86′), Omija (Nondi 21′), Okumu, Owino, Ouma (Khamis 86′), Odada, Akumu, Johana (E. J. Omondi 68′), R. Onyango, A. Odhiambo.

Zimbabwe: Arubi, Garananga, Munetsi, Takwara, Zemura, Murwira, Rinomhota, Dube (Mapfumo 82′), Musona (Maswanhise 58′), Chirewa (Msendami 58′), Billiat.