Tough Algerian Challenge Excites Darikwa

Warriors defender, Tendayi Darikwa, has conceded Zimbabwe face a tough duel against Algeria but insists they have capacity to battle the Foxes in their backyard.

The two teams clash in the first of the rescheduled back-to-back 2021 AFCON qualifiers at the 5 Juillet 1962 Stadium in Algiers tomorrow night.

The return fixture will be at the National Sports Stadium on Monday next week.

But, it is the sheer stature of the Desert Foxes, the reigning African champions who have gone for 20 matches without defeat, which sends shivers into their opponents.

While the ill-prepared Warriors have played just a single low-key friendly match against Malawi, under coach Zdravko Logarusic, the Desert Foxes have been serious about their business.

They beat Nigeria 1-0 before drawing 2-2 with Mexico at the time the Warriors were playing a goalless draw against the Flames of Malawi.

The Desert Foxes have also been able to keep their squad intact while only about six players, who featured in the game against Malawi, will troop into battle tomorrow.

Talisman Khama Billiat was expected to arrive yesterday evening after he underwent Covid-19 tests.

But as the team conducted their final training session at the National Sports Stadium before their scheduled departure later in the evening, Nottingham Forest defender Darikwa reckoned the Warriors were still in with a chance. Nhau/Indaba