After frustrating 2026 FIFA World Cup hopefuls South Africa with a resilient goalless draw in Durban on Friday night, the Zimbabwe Warriors wasted no time switching both base and mindset.
The team boarded a charter flight to Polokwane on Saturday, where they will wrap up their qualification campaign against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium tomorrow evening.
Although both nations are already out of the running for a World Cup spot in North America next year, pride and momentum remain firmly at stake. The Warriors sit bottom of Group C with five points, winless in nine qualifiers. Lesotho are just above them on nine points — making this clash a battle to finish with dignity and avoid back-to-back defeats to the Crocodiles, who beat Zimbabwe 2–0 in the reverse fixture at Orlando Stadium last year.
Historically, Zimbabwe have dominated encounters between the two COSAFA rivals, and coach Michael Nees is determined to maintain that record while continuing to shape his side for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
“Every game and every training session now is part of our AFCON preparation,” Nees said. “Players have to recommend themselves — there are not many chances left to do so.”
Reflecting on the Durban stalemate, Nees praised his players for matching one of the continent’s top teams in front of a packed stadium.
“That game was a real stress test,” he noted. “We played away from home against a full-strength Bafana Bafana side that hadn’t lost in 22 matches on the pitch. I think we showed we can compete with Africa’s strongest teams.”
The Peter Mokaba venue holds special memories for the Warriors — it was here they sealed AFCON qualification last year with a 1–1 draw against Kenya. Nees will be hoping for another positive result as Zimbabwe aim to end the qualifiers on a high and build confidence ahead of December’s continental tournament.
Meanwhile, Jordan Zemura came agonisingly close to his first Warriors goal in Durban when his late left-footed strike struck the upright with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams beaten.
“I thought it was in — I was ready to celebrate,” Zemura said after the match. “It was unlucky, but that’s football. Now all focus is on Lesotho — we want to finish strong.”
The Warriors’ mission continues in Polokwane — not for points, but for pride, preparation, and proof that Zimbabwe’s football revival is truly underway.
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