Tinotenda Hove – The Kaitano Tembo era got off to a disappointing start after the Warriors suffered a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria in the Unity Cup semi-final played at The Valley on Tuesday evening.

Despite Nigeria fielding a relatively inexperienced squad packed with fringe players, the Super Eagles proved too strong for Zimbabwe and controlled key moments of the encounter.

The West Africans wasted little time asserting themselves and opened the scoring in the fifth minute through Femi Azeeze, who punished the Warriors’ slow start.

Zimbabwe nearly found themselves further behind shortly afterwards when goalkeeper Future Sibanda failed to hold onto a dangerous effort inside the penalty area. However, the shot-stopper reacted quickly to clear the loose ball before Nigeria could capitalise.

After a shaky opening, the Warriors slowly worked their way back into the contest and began creating opportunities.

Marshall Munetsi came close in the 18th minute after seeing his strike blocked, while Junior Zindoga narrowly missed the target with a header from a corner delivery.
Jonah Fabisch attempted an ambitious long-range effort minutes later, but his shot sailed wide of goal.
Zimbabwe continued to push for an equaliser before halftime.

Zindoga had another promising chance blocked inside the box before Tawanda Chirewa fired the rebound off target.
Although Nigeria reduced the tempo later in the first half, they still managed to threaten going forward and created several opportunities that could have increased their lead before the break.

The Warriors returned for the second half looking more composed and enjoyed spells of possession, but they struggled to break down the Nigerian defence or create clear chances in attacking areas.

Nigeria eventually sealed the victory in the 62nd minute when Azeeze struck again to complete his brace and put the match beyond Zimbabwe’s reach.

Tembo reacted by making several substitutions, bringing on Daniel Msendami, Washington Navaya, Abubakar Moffat and Mongameli Tshuma in an attempt to revive the Warriors, but the changes failed to spark a comeback.
Zimbabwe earned a number of late set-pieces but once again could not convert their chances, allowing Nigeria to comfortably see out the match and book their place in the final.

The Warriors will now take on the loser of the other semi-final between India and Jamaica in the third-place playoff.