Zimbabwe coach Marian Marinica says his team can still advance from the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations despite opening the tournament with a 2-1 loss to Egypt national football team on Monday.
“We played a good match. We started well and the players stuck to the game plan we had prepared,” Marinica said. “But the quality of the Egyptian players made the difference. It is disappointing to lose a match like that.”
Zimbabwe showed organization and discipline early, limiting Egypt’s space and keeping the contest tight. However, decisive moments from Egypt ultimately proved the difference.
Despite the defeat, Marinica said the Warriors remain focused on qualification.
“We are proud of our players. We must stay the course, and we will aim to get at least four points from the next two matches to qualify,” he said.
Zimbabwe has returned to Marrakech ahead of its next group match against Angola national football team on Friday.
The Zimbabwe national football team is seeking to advance beyond the group stage for the first time after exiting at that stage in its previous Africa Cup of Nations appearances.
