Marian Marinica: Zimbabwe Coach Issues Warning to Bafana Bafana Ahead of Group B Decider
- Zimbabwe national team coach Marian Marinica has issued a strong warning to Bafana Bafana ahead of their Group B decider at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco
- The Warriors are without a win in their first two matches at the competition and need a win over South Africa to secure a place in the Round of 16
- The Romanian tactician is not ruling out Zimbabwe's chances of securing maximum points against South Africa despite being the underdogs
Zimbabwe head coach Marian Marinica has delivered a pointed warning to Bafana Bafana ahead of their crucial 2025 AFCON Group B clash. The two teams will reignite their fierce rivalry on Monday, December 29, at Stade de Marrakech.
Expect a highly charged encounter, with both sides eager to secure maximum points and boost their chances of advancing to the prestigious Round of 16.
Bafana Bafana, who currently sit on three points from their opening two games, appear in strong form, but Zimbabwe, with a single point so far, aims to pull off a significant upset.
Their previous meeting ended in a 0-0 stalemate, nearly jeopardising Bafana Bafana’s 2026 World Cup qualification hopes. With the stakes even higher this time, fans can anticipate a thrilling showdown.
Both teams have netted two goals in their first two matches. Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster scored for Bafana Bafana, while Zimbabwe’s goals came from Prince Dube and Knowledge Musona.
Marinica warns Bafana ahead of AFCON clash
Following a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Angola, coach Marian Marinica is determined to secure a full victory against Bafana, confident it will propel his team into the knockout rounds.
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“Clearly, as a team that enjoys playing, it was encouraging. In the final minutes, we had opportunities to close out the game, another shot on target could have changed the outcome," the Zimbabwe national team coach said.
“At the same time, we must recognise that we came from behind against a very strong and organised side, who themselves could have sealed the win. Yet, we stayed resilient, demonstrated our fighting spirit, and managed to equalise right at the end of the first half."
The Romanian mentor also shared Zimbabwe's main focus ahead of their mouthwatering clash against Hugo Broos and his boys on Monday night.
“From that perspective, earning a point feels positive. Ultimately, whether you see it as a point lost or a point gained, we still have one point. Our focus now is clear: we have to beat South Africa in the final group game if we want to advance. There’s no room for compromise; a win is mandatory,” he stated.
Sundowns star hits out at referee
Briefly News also reported that a Mamelodi Sundowns star has hit out at the match officials in charge of Bafana Bafana's clash against Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The South African international was not happy with the referee's decision that led to Bafana Bafana's controversial defeat against the Pharaohs.
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Source: Briefly News
