Warriors suffer humiliating defeat to youthful Nigeria in Unity Cup semi-final

By Auther Chimbgwa

The Zimbabwe Warriors suffered a humiliating 2-0 defeat to a youthful Nigerian national football team in a Unity Cup semi-final clash played under hot temperatures at the Valley Stadium in Charlton, South-East London, England Tuesday night.

A brace by English Championship side Reading forward Femi Azeez, affectionately known as Peleso, condemned Kaitano Tembo’s men to the defeat before a sizable crowd made up mostly of Nigerian and Zimbabwean fans.

Azeez, always a thorn in the Warriors’ flesh, struck a full-blooded shot outside the box as early as the 6th minute which beat Future Sibanda, in goals for Zimbabwe, hands down.

Although the Warriors started dictating the pace especially towards the end of the first half, they were toothless in front of goal.

Warriors forward Junior Zindoga failed to connect at the stroke of half-time after being fed by a sumptuous cross by England based Sean Fusire.

Zimbabwe, enjoying a full-strength squad made up of largely overseas based players, looked lethargic, with senior players like Marshall Munetsi and Jordan Zemura, looking, to all intents and purposes, off-colour.

Azeez was to complete his brace in the 62nd minute for the Super Eagles, beating Sibanda by slamming his shot home after being set up by teammate Tarem Moffi.

Jonah Fabisch looked the more intent from a disappointing Warriors squad, with his 70th minute shot outside the box the only threat for the Nigerian goalkeeper in the second half.

Jamaica and India will square off for the other semi-final on Wednesday at the same venue.

The third-place playoff, to be played between the loser of Jamaica and India and Zimbabwe, and the Grand Final, will both be played on Saturday the 30th of May.

The Warriors’ defeat to Nigeria meant that Tembo has lost his first game as interim head coach of the Zimbabwe national football team.