Written by Praise Dumi DhlakamaZimbabwe sports betting writer
Published 13 November 2026
Zimbabwe’s Warriors ground out a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifier at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo on Thursday.
The result leaves Zimbabwe second in Group E on 4 points from 3 matches, ahead of Equatorial Guinea on goal difference. DR Congo lead the group on 9 points after their 3-1 win over Sierra Leone.
Chadya stands tall
Goalkeeper Nelson Chadya was Zimbabwe’s hero, producing a string of saves, particularly in the second half, as Equatorial Guinea dominated large spells of the contest. The hosts created the better chances but could not find a way past Chadya, who kept the Warriors in the match with a series of crucial interventions.
Zimbabwe struggled to impose themselves going forward, managing just 1 shot on target across the 90 minutes. Equatorial Guinea enjoyed more possession and registered more shots on goal, but the Warriors’ defensive resilience held firm.
What it means for qualification
The draw keeps Zimbabwe’s qualification hopes firmly in their own hands. Ramon Catala’s side host Equatorial Guinea in the return leg at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on Monday, 16 November. A victory would take Zimbabwe to 7 points and give them a 2-point cushion over their direct rivals, with 2 qualifying matches remaining in March 2027.
The top two teams in Group E qualify for the 2027 AFCON finals, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
For now, Zimbabwe return home with a valuable away point, a clean sheet and a goalkeeper in form ahead of the decisive return fixture.
