Johnson Progress

Zimbabwe produced a sensational second-half fightback to defeat Sierra Leone 3-2 in their AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Group E opener on Thursday night.

The Warriors found themselves two goals down at halftime before a tactical masterclass and a Marshall Munetsi brace turned the match on its head in dramatic fashion.

It was a nightmare start for Zimbabwe, who conceded as early as the seventh minute when Alie Conteh punished some slack defending to give Sierra Leone the lead.

The Leone Stars continued to pile on the pressure and created several clear-cut chances, while the Warriors struggled to mount any meaningful response in the opening exchanges.

Sierra Leone doubled their advantage in the 27th minute when Sallieu Tarawallie converted from a corner kick, leaving coach Ramon Catala’s charges facing an almighty uphill task.

The first half could hardly have gone worse for Zimbabwe, as the hosts dictated the pace and tempo for the remainder of the opening period.

Catala responded with a bold tactical change at the interval, introducing Belgium-based forward Bill Antonio for Sean Fusire in a move that would prove decisive.

The substitution allowed Andy Rinomhota to drop from midfield to right-back, while Antonio took up the right-wing position and immediately began causing problems for the West African defence.

The tactical adjustment, coupled with further tweaks, saw Zimbabwe improve considerably and enjoy far more possession in the second half.

Tawanda Maswanhise was the first to create a meaningful threat after the restart, but dragged his effort inches wide in the 50th minute.

Thando Ngwenya, who had endured a relatively quiet evening, followed with a header that also failed to hit the target as the Warriors pushed forward with renewed urgency.

Munetsi finally pulled one back in the 72nd minute, rising to meet Tawanda Chirewa’s cross and heading home to give the Warriors renewed hope of a comeback.

Four minutes later, Chirewa unleashed a brilliant thunderbolt from outside the box, sending the ball into the top-left corner to draw Zimbabwe level and stun the home crowd.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers man thought he had completed the turnaround in the 82nd minute, but his goal was ruled out for offside, denying him a memorable moment.

However, the Warriors’ persistence paid off in stoppage time when Munetsi struck again, stabbing home from inside the box after a cross from Maswanhise.

The dramatic winner completed a remarkable fightback and sealed all three points for Zimbabwe in stunning fashion.

The result handed Catala a winning start as Warriors coach, while Zimbabwe moved into second place in Group E on three points.

DR Congo, who beat Equatorial Guinea 2-0, sit at the top of the group on goal difference following their impressive victory.

The Warriors will now turn their attention to Monday’s Group E encounter against DR Congo at the National Sports Stadium.

It was a performance that showcased the Warriors’ fighting spirit and resilience, qualities that will serve them well as they continue their qualifying campaign.