Our prediction for this Africa Cup of Nations 2024 match:
Malawi
Match Time & Date:
14/01/2022
11:00 AM
Prediction: 0-1
Zimbabwe
Kouekong Stadium will host Friday’s AFCON 2021 game between Malawi and Zimbabwe, the two teams who were beaten by Guinea and Senegal respectively in their openers. Malawi did suffer the loss to Kaba Diawara’s troops, but it has to be noted that they had six attempts on target in the first group game. Head coach Meke Mwase could opt to make changes to the starting XI, with both Richard Mbulu and Zebron Kalima pushing for a start.
The Warriors, on the other hand, were on the verge of holding star-studded Senegal to a goalless draw, but the Lions of Teranga eventually scored a late winner from the penalty spot. Since Zimbabwe produced a fine display in their opener, we believe that punters from all around the globe can find value in betting on Norman Mapeza’s charges. Lyon forward Tino Kadewere is widely expected to return to Zimbabwe’s starting XI.
Highlighted Player (Marvelous Nakamba):
Born on January 19, 1994 in Hwange, Marvelous Nakamba is a Zimbabwe international who plays for Club Brugge in the Belgian Jupiler League. Nakamba started his youth career at Highlanders and he made his senior debut with Bantu Rovers.
The Zimbabwe footballer played for Nancy before joining Vitesse in 2014. After scoring two goals in 67 appearances for the Dutch outfit in the league the central midfielder signed a four-year deal with Club Brugge in June, 2017 for a fee of £4 million. Nakamba made his Club Brugge debut in the league in July, 2017 in a 4-0 win over Sporting Lokeren.
Speaking of his international career, Marvelous Nakamba represented Zimbabwe in the under-20 level and he made his debut with the main squad in June, 2015 against Malawi. His main position is central midfield, but he is used as a defensive midfielder as well. Nakamba’s preferred foot is left.
Highlighted Team (Zimbabwe):
The Zimbabwe national team were known as the Southern Rhodesia national team from 1939 t0 1964 and they played under the name of Rhodesia until 1980. They became Zimbabwe in 1980 and they played their first World Cup qualifying game against Cameroon, losing 2-1.
The Warriors have yet to qualify for the World Cup finals, but it has to be noted that they qualified for the 2017 African Cup of Nations. Zimbabwe faced the likes of Swaziland, Guinea and Malawi in Group L and they clinched top position in their qualifying group, three points clear of second-placed Swaziland. The Warriors play their home games in yellow shirts and yellow shorts, while the colour of their away kit is green.
National Sports Stadium is considered Zimbabwe’s home stadium and the capacity of the venue is 60,000. The team recorded their biggest win on 26 August, 1990 as they rolled over Botswana 7-0 in Gaborone.
