Zimbabwe Warriors Player Ratings In 2-2 Draw vs Benin

Zimbabwe Warriors came back from two goals down against Benin to draw 2-2 in the CAF World Cup qualifiers fifth round match played in Durban on Thursday.

Nyasha Munetsi netted in the 44th minute to stage Zimbabwe’s fightback followed by Musona’s great goal from the edge of the penalty area in the 59th minute that beat the Benin goalkeeper to tie the game 2-all.

Michael Nees has continued with his impressive start with the Warriors ever since he took over the reins in September 2024 registering two wins four draws and one loss from seven matches.

Here are the player ratings for the Zimbabwe Warriors following their 2-2 draw against Benin.

Player Ratings

• Washington Arubi – 5/10
  • Made a howler in the opening minutes as he gifted Benin with their first goal after trying to chip a back-pass over an oncoming Benin forward who cleverly stole the ball and teed up his accompanying teammate to make a great finish with Arubi racing back across his goalmouth. However, Arubi made some crucial saves in the second half but could have done better on the goals conceded. Overall, a solid performance.
• Gerald Takwara – 6/10
  • A combative display from the ever-solid defender who partnered well with new boy Emmanuel Jalai on the right, but switched off a little as Benin scored their second goal.

• Jordan Zemura – 8/10
  • Outstanding performance, providing both assists for the goals. Showed great pace and creativity down the left flank, but could give more if he can improve his decision-making in the final third and better his link-up play with Devine Lunga on the left flank.
• Munashe Garananga- 6/10
  • Put in a solid defense but struggled at times with positioning and could have done better on Benin’s second goal for which the defensive line was faulty in failing to clear the ball early.
• Emmanuel Jalai – 7/10
  • Streetwise performance on his first-ever start for the Warriors, Jalai was a revelation on the right back replacing Godknows Murwira. The pint-sized 26-year-old talented defender was one of the best performers for the Warriors as he was constantly proactive in dealing with Benin’s attacking threats and exploding forward whenever he got a chance.
• Divine Lunga – 7/10
  • Lunga had an outstanding game against Benin. Though there was a slow link-up play between him and Zemura on the left flank, the experienced left-back provided solid defensive cover throughout the match, contributing to the Warriors’ ability to secure a draw
• Marshall Munetsi – 8/10
  • The rock of this Zimbabwe Warriors team. A much-improved performance from the tireless skipper who scored a crucial goal in the 44th minute to launch Zimbabwe’s comeback after going two goals down in the first thirty-five minutes of the game and was active in midfield, contributing both defensively and offensively. He has improved his ball-carrying skills and scoring ability ever since he moved to the English Premier League.
• Andrew Rinomhota – 6/10
  • A typical hardworking performance from the ever-consistent Rinomhota. Provided stability in midfield but was not as influential as expected going forward. Good game nonetheless.

• Knowledge Musona – 7/10
  • Looked fitter and more powerful than expected. The 35-year-old Musona still has the deft touches that made him a threat during his prime time. He scored the equalizer in the 59th minute and was a constant threat in the final third, especially on setpieces. Showed good link-up play with his teammates. Fatigue got the better of him in the 84th minute and was substituted for Maswanhise.
• Khama Billiat – 6/10
  • Immaculate with the ball, but not as influential as usual. Still showed flashes of class, raising the tempo with quick bursts, but was well-marked by the opposition and did not have a huge impact.
• Prince Dube – 5/10
  • The in-form Young Africans forward had limited opportunities to make an impact and was substituted in the second half for Tawanda Chirewa.

Substitutes:

▪️Tawanda Chirewa – 7/10

Came on and added some energy to the midfield. Kept going into promising positions but did not have a significant impact on the game. Nees was happy with his involvement and could be started against Nigeria.

• Tawanda Maswanhise – 5/ 10                 Came in for Knowledge Musona in the 84th minute. Given 10 minutes to build on his encouraging performance against Kenya in November had limited opportunities to run at Benin defense
• Terrence Dzvukamanja – 5/10.           Not involved too often after being introduced in place of Khama Billiat in the 84th minute.
• Walter Musona – 6/10.                 Substituted in for Andy Rinomhota in the injury time. The young Musona collided with a chance to take the game to the advantage of the Warriors but lacked the final pass or shot to capitalize on the build-up.

 The Warriors coach will be pleased with his side’s performance despite the result, with his players showing great determination to come from two goals down to force a draw and could have won the game if they had capitalized on all their chances.