Sports Correspondent – ZIMBABWE wrapped up their Unity Cup campaign with a bronze medal on Saturday, edging past India 1-0 in the third-place match at The Valley Stadium in London.

The Warriors responded well after their semi-final loss to Nigeria, grinding out a win against India to end the tournament on a positive note.

Interim coach Kaitano Tembo made several changes to his starting XI for the playoff. Marley Tavaziva, Emmanuel Jalai, Abubakar Moffat, Mongameli Tshuma, Prince Dube and Gerald Takwara were all given starting roles, with Takwara leading the team as captain.

The only goal arrived in the 32nd minute. Marshall Munetsi was fouled inside the box and Zimbabwe were awarded a penalty, which they converted to break the deadlock.

Tembo said the team used the Unity Cup mainly to get ready for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“Winning feels good, but we’re keeping perspective. The main goal was to use these games to prepare for the qualifiers and rotate the squad. We wanted more players to get minutes so we have stronger options when the qualifiers begin,” Tembo said.

Zimbabwe have been drawn in a group with Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with matches starting in September.