KEY POINTS
- Zimbabwe qualified for the 2025 AFCON after a 1-1 draw.
- Tawanda Maswanhise scored in the first half for the Warriors.
- Goalkeeper Washington Arubi made crucial saves to ensure qualification.
Zimbabwe clinched a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Kenya at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday evening. The Warriors needed only a draw to qualify for the continental showpiece in Morocco, joining Cameroon as the two Group J representatives.
Newzimbabwe reported that, the team’s success was anchored by a first-half goal from Tawanda Maswanhise and a series of crucial saves by goalkeeper Washington Arubi in the dying moments of the match.
Zimbabwe books AFCON spot with crucial draw against Kenya
Walking into the match as favorites, Zimbabwe wasted no time asserting themselves. Tawanda Maswanhise opened the scoring in the 29th minute after a perfectly timed assist from Khama Billiat. Maswanhise’s clinical finish, slotted into the far-left corner, gave the Warriors a much-needed boost and piled pressure on Kenya.
Despite leading 1-0 at halftime, Zimbabwe’s defense grew complacent after the break. Gerald Takwara’s failed clearance early in the second half allowed Kenya’s star forward, Michael Olunga, to score the equalizer in the 52nd minute. The goal shifted the momentum in Kenya’s favor, putting Zimbabwe under sustained pressure.
Takwara was substituted two minutes later after sustaining a shoulder injury, with Godknows Murwira stepping in to stabilize the defense.
Tawanda Maswanhise shines as Zimbabwe takes an early lead
Maswanhise, who has been in exceptional form, delivered yet again for the Warriors. His goal highlighted the team’s attacking potential, but the Warriors struggled to maintain their advantage in the second half.
Kenya pushed aggressively for a second goal, threatening Zimbabwe’s qualification hopes. However, the Warriors’ defense, led by Washington Arubi, stood firm in the final minutes.
Washington Arubi’s late saves secure Warriors’ qualification
Goalkeeper Washington Arubi proved instrumental in Zimbabwe’s qualification. His 83rd-minute save against a powerful strike from Olunga kept the scoreline level and ensured the Warriors’ ticket to Morocco.
The draw moved Zimbabwe to nine points, securing second place in Group J behind leaders Cameroon, who have 11 points. Kenya, with six points, and Namibia, with one point, were eliminated.
Zimbabwe will face Cameroon away on Tuesday in a dead rubber, providing an opportunity for coach Baltemar Brito to test his squad ahead of AFCON 2025.
