Warriors chase first win in final qualifier

Zimbabwe’s World Cup dream may have long faded, but pride and perhaps redemption remain on the line. The Warriors’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign has been one of struggle and frustration, with the team languishing at the bottom of Group C on five points and still searching for their first win.

Monday’s clash against Lesotho in Polokwane now stands as the Warriors’ best chance to finally register a victory and end their qualifying run on a positive note.

Friday’s gritty goalless draw against South Africa offered a glimpse of resilience, a reminder that Zimbabwe can still fight with purpose. It was a disciplined, hard-working performance that briefly rekindled a flicker of belief.

Head coach Michael Nees, however, knows that bravery without goals will not be enough. The German tactician is still chasing his first win in these qualifiers, and Monday’s match could offer the breakthrough he desperately craves.

Lesotho, sitting second from bottom with nine points after three consecutive defeats, find themselves in a similar position, a side wounded, yet dangerous. The Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane will serve as neutral ground, but for both sides, the stakes remain deeply personal.

There has been a subtle yet noticeable shift within Zimbabwe’s camp. The introduction of Kaitano Tembo, the former SuperSport United defender and coach, as assistant has injected renewed energy and technical insight into the setup. His influence could be crucial as the Warriors begin looking beyond qualification and toward their Africa Cup of Nations preparations later this year.

With Knowledge Musona suspended after his red card against South Africa and Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya sidelined through injury, Nees faces another selection puzzle. The call for fresh legs — perhaps from the likes of Bill Antonio, Prince Dube, or Brendan Galloway — grows louder.

The reverse fixture between these sides ended in an embarrassing 2–0 defeat for Zimbabwe, a result that still lingers uncomfortably in the memory. Monday’s match, then, is not just another qualifier. It is a test of resolve, a chance to restore dignity, and an opportunity to show that the Warriors’ name still carries weight on the continent.

For Nees and his men, it is a battle for pride and preparation. With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching, Zimbabwe will want to build confidence and momentum. Their goal is not merely to participate, but to advance beyond the group stages, something they have not achieved since their maiden appearance in 2004.