Zimbabwe produced a remarkable second-half turnaround to defeat Sierra Leone 3-2 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifier at El Jadida on Thursday night.
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Read E-PaperThe Warriors were rocked early as Sierra Leone took the lead after just seven minutes, with Alie Conteh finishing to put the hosts ahead.
Zimbabwe struggled to respond and their situation worsened in the 27th minute when Sallieu Tarawallie doubled Sierra Leone’s advantage with a header.
The Warriors went into the interval trailing 2-0, but returned from the break with renewed purpose.
Their revival finally paid off in the 72nd minute when Marshall Munetsi reduced the deficit, giving Zimbabwe hope of salvaging something from the encounter.
Tawanda Chirewa then completed the turnaround four minutes later, finding the equaliser in the 76th minute to set up a dramatic finish.
Munetsi had the final say, scoring his second goal of the night in the 88th minute to complete Zimbabwe’s stunning comeback and secure all three points.
The Warriors will now turn their attention to Monday’s Group E encounter against DR Congo at the National Sports Stadium.
DR Congo sit top of the group on goal difference after opening their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa on September 24, 2026.
