The AFCON 2017 group B opener saw the warriors of Zimbabwe and the desert foxes of Algeria sharing the spoils with a two all draw at the Stade de Franceville. A Riyad Mahrez opener on 12 minutes the warriors trailing, but Warriors winger, Kuda Mahachi slotted in the equaliser on 17 minutes. The warriors took the lead 10 minutes later with a Nyasha Mushekwi penalty, only for Mahrez to equalize in the 82nd minute.
Soccer24 runs its rule on the performance of individual players.
Zimbawe – four two three one
Tatenda Mukuruva 6.0 – Managed to make critical saves that kept the Algerian counter attacks at bay. However, Riyad Mahrez’s second goal should not have gone past his hand which partially blocked it.
Onisimo Bhasera 7.0 – Managed to keep Riyad Mahrez quiet for lapses of time and won the the warriors a penalty.
Costa Nhamoinesu 6.0 – The centre back put up a huge fight with important clearances plus a huge physical presence which distracted Algerian forwards, despite failing to stop a Riyad Mahrez cut in shot which led to Algeria’s first goal.
Elisha Muroiwa 5.5 – He made one important challenge on Leicester City’s Islam Slimani. He however made a glaring blunder which almost turned the ball into his own net just before Algeria equalizer.
Hardlife Zvirekwi 6.5 – made important runs down the right, overlapping and linking up well with the forwards.
Willard Katsande 7.0 – made important interceptions and tough tackles which won the warriors a lot of balls in the midfield areas. Displayed a lot of energy.
Danny Phiri 5.0 – benefitted from the cover of Willard Katsande in defensive link. Contributed in a few moves going forward.
Kuda Mahachi 7.0 – the winger scored an absolute beauty, making vital runs, maximising on his pace to both draw defenders and to cut into the area.
Khama Billiart 7.0 – made important runs and dribbles which opened spaces and created chances for himself and his teammates. He was unfortunate not to score several chances.
Nyasha Mushekwi 6.0 – made few mistakes, played so much around the arc of the box trying to create chances for his team mates. Was substituted for Cuthbert Malajila.
Knowledge Musona – Did not lay enough time to warranty a rating after being substituted 11 minutes into the game for a hamstring.
Matthew Rusike 6.0 – he made an impact coming on from the bench, including setting up Kuda Mahachi for the warriors’ opener.
Cuthbert Malajila 3.0 – hardly made an impact upon his substitution for Nyasha Mushekwi. He missed a sitter of a chance, a bloomer which directly engineered the move which resulted in Riyad Mahrez’s equalizer in seconds.