Soccer24 rates the performances of the Warriors players following their excellent 3-0 African Nations Cup qualifying victory over Malawi. Zimbabwe sealed a spot for the finals in Gabon next year after Guinea lost 1 nil away in Swaziland.

Match Report: Warriors beat Malawi to qualify for AFCON 2017!

Tatenda Mukuruva: 6

With Malawi managing just 2 shots on target the the whole game, the youngster was largely untested in between the sticks, and got a good view of a good performance from his side at the same time.

Onismor Bhasera: 8

A good performance from the left back, who supplied the cross for the second goal. Bhasera pushed forward whenever he could and it was no surprise that most of Zimbabwe’s attacking raids came from the left. Bhasera did well defensively as he put his body on the line to block a goal bound effort from goal.

Elisha Muroiwa: 8

Muriwa was solid in the heart of defence. Whilst he didn’t have much to deal with throughout the day, Elisha will be happy with the fact that he has furthered his defensive partnership with partner Costa Nhamoinesu.

Costa Nhamoinesu: 9 (Soccer24 Man of the Match)

A clean sheet is basically a perfect game for a centre back, and the Sparta Prague man will be delighted with his performance this afternoon, and in the run up to the AFCON.

It was a solid, commanding and powerful display, and I can see him being one of the defensive stars of the tournament, and with Nhamoinesu and Muroiwa developing more and more as the days go by, Zimbabwe’s defensive worries aren’t looking so bad after all.

Hardlife Zvirekwi: 6

Zvirekwi was able to thrive during a match where he was not required to defend constantly. He has always been class at combining defensive work with attacking play, and he was a constant threat throughout the game.

Kuda Mahachi: 6

Mahachi delivered emphatically. He was stringing some clever passes together, and throwing in some trademark Mahachi flair along the way.

His confidence in this side is amazing, he was however responsible for throwing the ball away needlessly at times.

Willard Katsande: 7

The skipper knew that today would be a key day where he could stamp his authority on the defensive midfield position,  and he commanded the game was usual ease.

He broke up the play well, and he covered so much ground it was unbelievable that one man could have so much power and energy.

Katsande however need to ease up on his temper as he was involved in an unnecessary scuffle with Malawian Captain though he was lucky not to walk away with a yellow card.

Marvellous Nakamba: 7

Like his partners in midfield, Nakamba controlled the game with purpose and power, as well as getting on the end of the some good attacking moves, and getting into good goal scoring positions.

Like Katsande, Nakamba is a player who could run miles and miles and still have energy left for a 90-minute game of football.

Khama Billiat: 8

The South African Premiership Player of the year came and as expected delivered. He managed to score a cheeky goal under the challenge of a defender. However, Billiat major undoing will be his casual approach to the game. He could have scored more or provided a goal or two had he been not selfish to go alone at goal with better positioned players.

Knowledge Musona: 9

Involved in all the 3 goals today, what more would you ask for from the smiling assasin. Scored the opener from the penalty spot after being hacked down, was involved in the run up to the second goal, and Ohh what a cross to send the 3rd goal home. However Musona was not at his usual best despite the goal and assist. He tended to slow down play whilst giving away possession needlessly by staying too long with the ball.

Tendai Ndoro: 8

Playing as the lone striker, Ndoro did not see much of the ball. It is when he decided to go deep into midfield that Zimbabwe started creating chances and in the process got the goals. Ndoro was unfortunate not to find the target in the second half seeing his shot saved by the keeper on a one on one situation.

Substitutes

Danny Phiri: 6

Coming on in the second half  for Mahachi, Phiri put in a good showing winning balls in midfield. In a second half where no real clear-cut chances were created, Deco applied himself well, getting some stinging shots but off target.

Cuthbert Malajila: 8

What a way to respond to critics! Malajila scored coming off the bench sealing victor for the Warriors. He showed hunger for goals and got himself in scoring positions. Pasuwa will need to play his cards well in attack as clearly he is spoilt for choice

Matthew Rusike: 5

Replacing Nakamba after today was always going to be tough, but Rusike didn’t really get anything to feed off in the second half. Perhaps it wasnt much time to show his worth.

Also Read: AFCON qualifier live: Zimbabwe v Malawi as it happend

 

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