Zimbabwe Warriors Come From Behind To Draw Against Algeria
The Zimbabwe Warriors put up an inspired second-half performance to come from 2 goals down and draw 2-2 with the desert foxes of Algeria.
Warriors coach Zdravko “Loga” Logarusic made four inspired changes at half-time that changed the tempo of the match. Khama Billiat, Ovidy Karuru, Kuda Mahachi and Divine Lunga were brought on and they stabilised the midfield and intensified the attack.
Talbert Shumba who was standing in for the injured Elvis Chipezeze in the Zimbabwean goal was beaten by a free header from Algerian striker Andy Delort in the 34th minute.
4 minutes later Machester City star Riyad Mahrez made it 2-0 after convincingly beating his markers inside the box.
Warriors captain. Knowledge Musona scored a splendid free-kick before half time to bring Zimbabwe back into the game.
Tino Kadewere almost equalised when his header from a close range was brilliantly tipped over by the keeper just before the hour mark. The Lyon striker had another big opportunity falling on his way not long after the first one, but this time it went an inch wide.
In the 71st minute, Mahachi had a great run from the left flank and fed an unmarked Musona who failed to reach the target from a few yards out.
The Warriors continued to pile the pressure and finally got the equaliser with eight minutes before the final whistle when substitute Dube tapped home from a corner kick from his first touch of the game.
The result leaves Algeria five points clear of the Warriors in Group H ahead of Botswana’s match at home to Zambia later this evening. Algeria have extended their unbeaten run to 22 matches.
The two teams will return to Afcon qualifying action in March.
Watch the match highlights here
Warriors XI: T. Shumba; T. Darikwa, J. Dzingai, T. Hadebe, A. Chicksen; J. Zemura, T. Rusike, M. Nakamba, K. Musona; D. Moyo, T. Kadewere.
Algeria XI: R. Mbolhi (GK), R. Halaimia, A. Mandi, D. Benlamri, R. Bensebaini, I. Bennacer, A. Guedioura, S. Feghouli, R. Mahrez (c), S. Benrahma, A. Delort.
