Warriors Fall Short: Lunga and Nakamba Blunders Hand South Africa 3-2 Win

By Desire Tshuma

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Zimbabwe’s Warriors suffered a 3-2 defeat to South Africa in their AFCON Group B match, courtesy of costly mistakes by defenders Divine Lunga and Marvelous Nakamba.

South Africa took an early lead through Tshepang Moremi’s goal, which looped into the net after a deflection off Lunga. Zimbabwe equalized through Tawanda Maswanhise’s stunning strike, but Lunga’s back header gifted Lyle Foster an easy goal, putting South Africa back in front.

Nakamba’s goalkeeper-style mistake, handling a shot that appeared to be going wide, resulted in a penalty, which Oswin Appollis converted to seal South Africa’s victory. Maswanhise’s low shot deflected off Aubrey Modiba for an own goal, briefly giving Zimbabwe hope, but it was too little, too late .

The defeat has sparked outrage among football fans, with many suspecting foul play. “Lunga and Nakamba were paid to throw the game,” tweeted one fan. The controversy surrounding Lunga, who plays for Sundowns, owned by CAF President Motsepe, has only fueled the speculation.

South Africa’s 3-2 win over Zimbabwe has secured their place in the AFCON Last 16, while Zimbabwe has been eliminated .

Zimbabwe’s chances of progressing were slim, and their loss to South Africa has ended their AFCON campaign. They had a tough group with Egypt and South Africa, and it seems they weren’t quite ready for the challenge .