Zimbabwe Warriors’ Midfield Conundrum Ahead Of Benin Encounter

As the Zimbabwe Warriors prepare for their crucial World Cup qualifying match against Benin in Côte D’Ivoire on Friday, the team faces a significant challenge in the midfield department. With key players such as Nyasha Marshall Munetsi and Farai Andrew Rinomhota ruled out due to various reasons, coach Michael Nees is confronted with a pressing need to fill the void left by these influential midfielders.

Current Midfield Situation

The unavailability of the key central midfield duo of Munetsi and Rinomhota leaves a significant gap in the midfield, which has traditionally been the engine room of the Zimbabwe Warriors. Their absence could lead to vulnerabilities in both defensive and offensive transitions. Therefore, it is essential to implement a tactical strategy that compensates for their absence while maximizing the strengths of the available players.

• Nyasha Munetsi: A significant loss, Munetsi’s work rate and tactical awareness have been crucial for the team. His absence due to suspension after accumulating two yellow cards in the previous encounters has left Nees with a big headache. Munetsi will be available for the Rwanda tie, which is scheduled for Orlando Stadium in South Africa four days later.
• Andy Rinomhota: Another vital cog in the Warriors’ midfield, Rinomhota’s absence will be felt deeply. His ability to break up opposition play and contribute to both defensive and attacking phases has made him a mainstay in the squad. Rinomhota has excused himself for the two encounters against Benin and Rwanda as he is in the process of finding a new home after leaving Cardiff City.

Coach’s Selection Dilemma:

In the midfield, Michael Nees has opted to call up newbies of Reading’s Tivonge Rushesha and Finland-based Prosper Padera. Scotland F.C.’s new signing Knowledge Musona is also available alongside Wolves’ Tawanda Chirewa, and Luton Town’s Marvelous Nakamba to occupy the midfield positions. However, Nakamba’s lack of recent game time raises concerns about his match fitness and sharpness. Having not played a game at his club, he may struggle to adapt to the intensity of international competition, especially against a side like Benin, which is known for its physicality and tactical discipline.

Alternative Options:

The decision to overlook Abubakar Moffat, who has been performing well at his club, MWOS, since returning from Spain, has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Moffat’s recent form suggests he could provide the dynamism and creativity needed in the midfield, making his exclusion from the squad a contentious issue.

Implications for the Match Against Benin

The absence of Munetsi and Rinomhota, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding Nakamba’s fitness, places the Warriors in a precarious position ahead of their encounter with Benin. The midfield is often the engine room of any team, and without a cohesive unit, Zimbabwe may struggle to control the game.

Tactical Adjustments:

Nees may need to rethink his tactical approach, potentially opting for a 4-3-3 formation. This setup allows for a more compact midfield while providing width in attack.

The unavailability of Munetsi and Rinomhota leaves a significant gap in the midfield Therefore, it is essential to implement a tactical strategy that compensates for their absence while maximizing the strengths of the available players.

Marvelous Nakamba may start alongside Jordan Zemura and Prosper Padera in the midfield with Tawanda Chirewa, Knowledge Musona, and Tymon Machope as the front three.

Predicted XI

Left-back can be occupied by the returning Brandon Galloway with Teenage Hadebe and Munashe Garananga as the central defenders. Emmanuel Jalai will control the right-back position as usual while Washington Arubi gets on between the sticks ahead of Elvis Chipezeze and Martin Mapisa.

Washington Arubi, Emmanuel Jalai, Brandon Galloway, Munashe Garananga, Teenage Hadebe, Marvelous Nakamba, Tawanda Chirewa, Prosper Padera, Tymon Machope, Knowledge Musona, Jordan Zemura.

Predicted Score: Benin- 1, Zimbabwe – 2