Three talking points as Chadya saves Warriors blushes vs Equatorial Guinea

Having been starved of game time at Scottland FC, Nelson Chadya justified Ramon Catala’s bold faith in him with a commanding display as the Warriors were dominated by Equatorial Guinea in a 2027 AFCON Group E qualifier played at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde, Cameroon. It ended 0-0.

Ramon Catala made the bold decision to start Nelson Chadya, who has failed to make the starting team at Scottland FC in the last three PSL matches. Chadya has been sidelined since their exit from the CAF Champions League and was picked ahead of Martin Mapisa, Future Sibanda and Aron Ngwenya.

It was a gamble that Zimbabwe needed to pay off, because for long spells, Chadya was the only thing standing between the Warriors and defeat.

RAMON CATALA’S BOLD CALL TO START NELSON CHADYA

Guinea threatened as early as the second minute, with Dorian Junior Hanza failing to connect a cross from the left flank. And for 20 minutes, the Warriors all but absorbed pressure as the match was a midfield battle between the two sides.

On the half hour mark, Marshall Munetsi had a heavy touch and his intended through pass eluded the onrushing Tino Kadewere. Two minutes later, Tawanda Chirewa had the best chance for the team thus far, on a counter, but his flashing shot from just inside the box went inches over the bar.

Simply put, the first half was a cagey affair as the Warriors failed to click and give the Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper and defence a headache. The home side, Equatorial Guinea, dominated. Zimbabwe created almost nothing in attack. Chirewa’s missed chance was the only real moment of threat in a half Guinea controlled.

When the second half began, Chadya was drawn into making some fine saves, with Jannick Buyla Sam pulling the trigger from close range and the Scottland shot-stopper making a diving save in the 47th minute.

Zimbabwe vs Equatorial Guinea in Cameroon. Picture by ZIFA

Alex Balboa came near two minutes later, with a free-kick that skid off the turf with a awkward bounce but Nelson Chadya was alert. He got down smartly to palm the ball out and kept Zimbabwe in the game.

He was again called into action moments later, repelling Loren Zuniga’s rasping shot from range with his fists. Having defended for 15 minutes, Tino Kadewere came near, after a left-footer from close range forced a diving save from the Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper.

But still, it was Chadya who made the decisive saves. Catala changed his team, introducing Emmanuel Jalai for Tawanda and later Abubakar Moffat for Andy Rinomhota.

TINO KADEWERE’S MISSED GLORIOUS CHANCE

After the 70th minute, Zimbabwe looked like they were smelling blood and at some point, Bill Antonio burst on the wing to pick out Kadewere, who rounded off the goalkeeper before failing to poke the ball home into the empty net.

However, the goalkeeper made a cat-like reflex to collect the ball from Kadewere’s boot. Marshall Munetsi almost dinked the ball from range after spotting the goalie off his line on the 80th minute. But his effort was overhit.

MUNETSI’S LATE INTERCEPTION KEPT SAVES WARRIORS 

At the tail end, Munetsi made a timely interception as the defenders were beaten and Chadya was exposed. In the end, it was Chadya’s heroics that earned Zimbabwe a valuable point on the road in a game they were second best for long periods.

Zimbabwe face Equatorial Guinea on Monday 16 November at the National Sports Stadium in the return leg. As it stands they are second in Group E with four points, the same as Equatorial Guinea.

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