The Munetsi-inspired Casablanca remontada!

It was truly a remarkable comeback from the Warriors, one which will be remembered for a very long time.

Zimbabwe began their AFCON 2027 Group E qualifying campaign with a tricky fixture against Sierra Leone at the Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi, in Casablanca.

It was Ramon Catala’s first game in charge of the country’s senior men’s national team, and the Spaniard delivered a second half tactical masterclass which resulted in a historic victory.

Sierra Leone raced to a 2-0 lead in the first half before the half hour mark, courtesy of goals from Alie Conteh and Sallieu Tarawallie.

It was a dominant first half display by the Leone Stars, who looked very comfortable on the ball and threatened to embarrass their opponents.

But the Warriors had other ideas.

The introduction of Bill Antonio for Sean Fusire at the begging of the second half somewhat added attacking impetus.

Marshall Munetsi in action against Sierra Leone. Picture by ZIFA

Marshall Munetsi pulled one back for Zimbabwe in the 72nd minute, rising high to head home from close range, off a brilliant curling delivery from his Wolverhampton Wanderers teammate Tawanda Chirewa.

Chirewa turned from provider to scorer four minutes later, with a brilliant left foot strike from outside the box, to level matters for the Warriors.

Munetsi would have the last say, as he connected brilliantly to Tawanda Maswanhise’s cross from the right, to slot home from close range in the 88th minute, sparking wild celebrations.

For the first time ever, the Warriors came from being two goals down to win a game.

They fell behind 2-0 against Benin in the World Cup qualifiers last year, but came back to force a 2-2 draw.

Catala also became the first foreign Warriors coach to win his first game in charge of the national team, since Clemens Westerhof in 1999.

Focus now shifts to Monday’s crucial encounter against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the National Sports Stadium and after last night’s performance, Catala’s charges will be oozing with confidence.

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