FORMER Warriors midfielder Lazarus Muhoni has said Zimbabwe can exploit Group B rivals Algeria and Tunisia’s tendency of getting frustrated easily when they clash at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) football finals in Gabon next month.
BY KENNETH NYANGANI
Muhoni, who played at the Afcon finals in the only two appearances Zimbabwe made at the continental showpiece in 2004 and 2006, observed that North African teams easily get frustrated if they fail to get an early goal.
He said confidence was the key factor for Zimbabwe if they are to produce some upsets in their Group which also contains Senegal.
‘One thing that is important at such tournaments is self-confidence. Our boys need to be confident about what they will be doing and should not feel inferior to their opponents,” Muhoni said. “I believe, however, that when they take to the field they will be mentally psyched up for the challenge that come their way.”
He said the Warriors should always aim to avoid going down early.
‘’North African teams get frustrated easily especially if they fail to score in the first 20 minutes. They thrive mainly on early goals and once they are in front they know how to protect their lead, they are masters at frustrating teams that will be chasing the game.”
He said that the players should use the opportunity to market themselves at the big stage where hordes of scouts are expected to descend.
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The former Dynamos and Black Rhinos player said maintenance of discipline was an important aspect that scouts look for.
“Afcon finals is such a big stage where scouts go and search for talent, so our players will be well aware of that.
But besides playing well, our players need to know that discipline is an important aspect that scouts consider when making decisions.”
Zimbabwe will kick off their campaign with a clash against Algeria on January 15, before taking on Senegal four days later.
The Kalisto Pasuwa-coached side then wind up their campaign against Tunisia.
The Warriors will be hoping to progress beyond the group stage for the first time having fallen at the first hurdle in their last two appearances.
Making their maiden appearance in 2004 under Sunday Chidzambwa, the Warriors lost their first two group matches to Egypt (2-1) and Cameroon (5-3) before they rounded off with a 2-1 win over Algeria.
Charles Mhlauri’s class of 2006 lost its first match 2-0 to Senegal and also fell to Nigeria by the same scoreline, but saved face with a 2-1 win over Ghana in the last pool match.
