Munetsi calls for patience, says loss to weakened Nigeria was a harsh reality check

Warriors midfielder Marshall Munetsi has urged fans to be patient after Zimbabwe’s 2-0 loss to a weakened Nigeria in the Unity Cup semi-final, admitting the defeat was a much-needed reality check.

The defeat marked Kaitano Tembo’s first game in charge as interim head coach. It was a sobering start, with a disjointed a Warriors side falling to a weakened Super Eagles team at The Valley Stadium in London.

Femi Azeez scored both goals for the Super Eagles. Even this early, Tembo’s tenure has sparked mixed reactions, with Zimbabwe’s football community questioning his credentials.

BACK IN THE DAY, WE DIDN’T GET OPPORTUNITIES TO PLAY IN PLACES LIKE ENGLAND SAYS MUNETSI

Speaking after the defeat, Munetsi—who was himself a pale shadow of his usual self during the match—stressed that patience is key as the team builds toward the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

“We are getting to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and building combinations is a process. We need to be patient as players because everyone wants to win.

“The main goal is to build the team, develop players, and create solid combinations going forward, especially with the game on Saturday. We need to rectify the mistakes from the last game and make sure we finish the chances we create

“The overall goal is to prepare for the African qualifiers later this year. Back in the day, we didn’t get opportunities to play in places like England against teams like Nigeria, Jamaica, or India,” Munetsi said.

“These games help us see what to expect. In our group, we have Equatorial Guinea and DR Congo. They have physical players, like the Nigerians we saw yesterday. These friendlies let us look in the mirror and identify what we need to improve.”

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