Zimbabwe fall 3-1 to Algeria in Marinica’s first game

Coach Mario Marinica’s reign with Zimbabwe started on a bumpy note after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Algeria in Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

The warm up match for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals took place at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium where the Warriors extended their winless streak to six games.

The Englishman, who replaced Michael Nees days ago, featured a depleted Warriors squad deprived of the services of regulars Khama Billiat, Knowledge Musona and Marshall Munetsi due to varying reasons.

How were Algeria and Zimbabwe line-ups?

Just as was the case with the German Nees, Marinica entrusted Washington Arubi with the task of manning the sticks ahead Elvis Chipezeze, Teenage Hadebe marshalled the defence and Walter Musona provided the focal point of attack in the absence of his injured elder brother Knowledge.

The Algerians had no star winger Riyad Mahrez but they still had enough stars including Manchester City defender Aït-Nouri and AC Milan’s Ismael Bennacer.

There was no place in the squad for skipper Marvelous Nakamba while Wolverhampton Wanderers’ winger Tawanda Chirewa was benched.

Algeria took the lead barely 14 minutes into the game through Al-Shamal FC striker Baghdad Bounedjah before Mohamed Amoura of VfL Wolfsburg and defender Jaouen Hadjam’s goals in the last five minutes of the first half put matters beyond the reach of Marinica’s men.

Chirewa did come on in the second half in place of Walter Musona and the Wolves man made his impact on the game as he scored the Warriors’ consolation goal with a minute remaining on the clock.

Zimbabwe return to action on Monday to face Qatar as they step up preparations for the AFCON finals scheduled for December, hoping to end the uninspiring run.

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Image: Photo Credit: The Zimbabwe Football Association media