BY SPORTSCAST WRITER
HARARE – Zimbabwe vice-captain Marshall Munetsi says “it was difficult to up the intensity” in their narrow 1-0 Africa Cup of Nations qualification win over Namibia in Johannesburg on Thursday, but is confident the Warriors will play with more fluidity in the return leg on Monday.
The Namibians had the lion’s share of possession at the Orlando Stadium, and appeared to have approached the tie with a clear intention, to dominate Zimbabwe in the physical contest.
Zimbabwe however battled to the slender win courtesy of a first-half Khama Billiat penalty.
“Getting the win was the most crucial thing,” Stade de Reims midfielder Munetsi said on Saturday.
“We knew that first game we needed to win by all means necessary, because Namibia tried to play mind games with us not having the supporters and also having the game played on Thursday. Most of our guys arrived Tuesday, Wednesday. The fatigue also played a part in our game, I think that’s why it was difficult to up the intensity in the same way they did. Overall, I’m happy with the three points and I’m sure everyone is looking forward to a win on Monday when we have our supporters back. We will be much fresher than we were on Tuesday.”
Namibia, who were technically the hosts on Thursday, barred spectators for the match citing lack of funds to provide adequate security.
The move was largely seen as gamesmanship by the Namibian FA to deprive the Warriors of support, as more Zimbabwean nationals than Namibians reside in South Africa.
Zimbabwe now occupy second position in Group J behind leaders Cameroon, who thrashed Kenya 4-1 in Yaounde on Friday. Kenya and Cameroon meet again on Tuesday in Ugandan capital Kampala.
Munetsi is unsurprisingly also taking keen interest in the Warriors’ two main rivals in the pool, commenting that “Cameroon and Kenya are going to cancel each other.”
The Warriors, Munetsi added, will only be satisfied with collecting two back-to-back wins over bottom-place Namibia.
“For us, the three points is good, but we need to take the six points in these games.”
With their turn now to host on Monday, Zimbabwe will enjoy the advantage of a partisan crowd at Orlando Stadium.
Munetsi urged on the Warriors fans to “fill” up the Soweto arena.
