AFCON: Zimbabwe goalkeeper Arubi admits results unacceptable

Zimbabwe’s first-choice goalkeeper Washington Arubi has apologised to the team’s fans for an unconvincing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) showing in Morocco.

Writing on his official facebook page on Wednesday, the Marumo Gallants FC player said he was aware that the fans expected better results from the team at competition.

“Like every Zimbabwean who expected better results and tournament, we are also equally disappointed in ourselves,” the 40-year-old wrote.

“As Warriors, we have the greatest fans in the world. We have fallen short of the nation’s expectations, and for that we are sorry.”

Zimbabwe bowed out of the competition after a hard-fought 2-3 loss to South Africa earlier this week, a result Arubi admitted was not good enough.

“We take full responsibility for our performance. [We] failed to win as a team, but it does not mean [that] we don’t lose as a team as well, so we make no excuse.

The way the tournament started and seeing us failing to progress beyond group stages for the umpteenth time was unacceptable.

Results are the only measure of success in football, and the results speak for themselves. Once again on a personal level, I am sorry Zimbabwe and to my loyal fans thank you so much for the massive support.”

Why Arubi came under scrutiny at AFCON

Arubi came under intense scrutiny after the game against South Africa. He let the ball slip from his palms as striker Lyle Foster aimed for a header.

In the end, the Burnley FC man succeeded in getting contact with the ball, which dropped behind the Zimbabwe keeper and rolled into the net to make it two-all.

Eventually, South Africa got their third goal through Oswin Appollis’ strike from the penalty spot after Zimbabwe captain Marvelous Nakamba’s handball late in the game.

Zimbabwe returned from Morocco on Wednesday with a win in Group B after losing 2-1 to Egypt and sharing the spoils at one-all with Angola.