Why Sundowns’ Lunga and ex-Chiefs star were sidelined for AFCON opener

The mystery surrounding the absence of Mamelodi Sundowns wing-back Divine Lunga and ex-Kaizer Chiefs forward Knowledge Musona from Zimbabwe’s starting lineup has been clarified following the Warriors’ narrow 2-1 defeat to Egypt on Monday night.

The duo’s omission from the Group B opener at the Stade Adrar was a major talking point, especially as Zimbabwe continues to navigate a squad crisis.

The national team is already without vice-captain Marshall Munetsi and midfielder Andy Rinomhota, the latter having withdrawn from camp due to an urgent family matter.

Fitness Concerns Dictate Selection in Zimbabwe’s AFCON Opener

It has now emerged that both Lunga and Musona are nursing undisclosed injuries sustained during high-intensity training sessions in Morocco. While the injuries are not believed to be severe, head coach Marian Marinica opted for a risk-averse strategy to ensure their availability for the remainder of the tournament.

Lunga, in particular, is recovering from a slight knock. Sources close to the technical team indicate that the medical staff advised against fielding the Sundowns star to prevent further aggravation.

The lack of a natural left-back forced a tactical shift, with FC Cincinnati’s Teenage Hadebe drafted into the role. Though Hadebe is more accustomed to a central defensive position, he was tasked with shackling Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah.

Shaky Start: Hadebe struggled with his positioning in the opening exchanges, nearly gifting the Pharaohs several scoring opportunities.

Tactical Recovery: As the AFCON match progressed, Hadebe settled, successfully limiting Salah to just two shots on target.

The Result: Despite a valiant effort and an opening goal from Prince Dube, second-half strikes from Omar Marmoush and a 90th-minute winner from Salah secured the points for Egypt.

AFCON Games: Reinforcements for Angola and Bafana Bafana

Zimbabwean supporters can take comfort in the news that both Lunga and Musona have been cleared for the upcoming Group B AFCON fixtures. The Warriors are set to face Angola this Friday at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in a match that could decide their tournament fate.

The return of their most experienced campaigners will be crucial as they eye a positive result against the Palancas Negras before their final group-stage showdown against South Africa on December 29. With winger Daniel Msendami having impressed in his debut, the return of Lunga and Musona is expected to bring the necessary balance to Marinica’s side.