Liberia 1-1 Zimbabwe
YOUTHFUL forward Knowledge Musona scored the all important goal as the Zimbabwe Warriors started their 2012 African Cup of Nations qualification campaign in controversial circumstances away to Liberia on Sunday.
The Kaiser Chiefs striker took advantage of a defensive lapse by the Lone Stars back line to give the Warriors a deserved lead in the 30th minute with a well taken ground shot.
The Warriors striker was then denied twice by the hosts’ goalkeeper, Sundeh Babadou, while Lionel Mtizwa also had an effort saved.
However, a controversial decision by Benin referee Koffi Codja denied the Warriors what would have been a perfect start to their 2012 campaign.
Sekou Jabeth Oliseh squeezed the ball past Washington Arubi in the 68th minute but appeared to foul the Zimbabwean goalkeeper in the process.
The Benin official allowed the goal to stand despite spirited protests by the Zimbabwean players.
Warriors Coach Norman Mapeza still felt his charges had acquitted themselves commendably.
“This is a fantastic result from a fantastic performance. They have done the nation proud but the referee was pathetic, pathetic and pathetic,” he said.
His disappointment would have been allayed by results elsewhere in Group A.
Mali, who are possibly Zimbabwe’s main rivals for automatic qualification in the group suffered a surprise 0-1 defeat away to the island nation of Cape Verde.
Zimbabwe are under pressure to make it to the next continental finals which are being hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea after failing to make it to the last two editions of the tournament.
The Warriors will need to top Group A to ensure automatic qualification from Group A.
Zimbabwe’s next game will be at home to Cape Verde on the weekend of 8-10 October.
Teams:
Zimbabwe: W. Arubi, N. Kaseke, O. Bhasera, T. Sweswe, M. Mwanjali, A. Rambanapasi (L. Mtizwa 79th minute), C. Matawu (B. Marere 86th minute), J. Majabvi, E. Sadomba, K. Musona (N. Mushekwi 74th minute), T. Rusike
Liberia: S. Seah, S. Grimes, E. Wennah, G. Baysah, J. Dixon, D. GBemie (T. Lewis 46th minute), S. Oliseh, S. Mennoh, A. Laffor, I. Pupo (P. Kollie 85th minute), P. Doeplah (J. Lomell 60th minute) .