Marvellous Nakamba has come under heavy criticism following Zimbabwe’s painful 2–3 defeat to South Africa national football team in their final Africa Cup of Nations Group B match.
The Warriors’ AFCON campaign came to an end after Nakamba conceded a late handball that resulted in the decisive penalty, crushing Zimbabwe’s hopes of progressing to the Round of 16. The team managed just one point from three matches, finishing bottom of the group in what was their seventh AFCON appearance.
Zimbabwe needed at least a draw against South Africa to keep qualification hopes alive, but the defeat sealed their elimination.
Nakamba apologises
After the match, the Warriors captain held his hands up and issued a public apology to the nation and his teammates.
“I am sorry to my country, to my teammates, and to everyone in Zimbabwe. It’s life; we lose as a team, and hopefully we will soldier on and learn from the mistakes. It’s part of life,” said Nakamba.
Fan backlash grows
While some supporters accepted the apology, others reacted angrily on social media, questioning both the incident and Nakamba’s response.
Facebook reactions included:
Princess Rose: “The ‘it’s life’ part sounds like saying ‘it’s not that deep’.”
Lloyd Vera: “Luton already know the captain is finished.”
Mandla Vincent Spikijo: “Why use your hand knowing there is VAR?”
David Murimu Ehud: “How many times do we learn this lesson? The ball is not for hands.”
Ayanda Mkululi Gcingca: “Zimbabwe tried the Egypt handball trick, but it backfired.”
Nicholls Mkotekwa: “The ball was going off target—why extend your hand?”
Mphiliseni Philisani Ndlovu Gatsheni: “No more soldiering on, it’s game over.”
Blessing Mupinga: “Every match we apologise, every match we soldier on… but to where?”
The incident has sparked renewed debate over leadership, discipline, and accountability within the Warriors setup as Zimbabwe reflect on another AFCON campaign that ended in disappointment.