Khama Billiat Brace Edges Out Zambia In Group H Afcon Qualifier

Zimbabwe and Kaizer Chiefs star midfielder scored a goal either side of half-time to get Zimbabwe’s Afcon 2021 campaign back on track after a poor and largely disappointing nil-all draw against Botswana last week in the Group H opening qualifier.

Talismanic midfielder Billiat propelled Zimbabwe to an early lead in the 10th minute when he headed in a corner but the lead was short lived as speed merchant Partson Daka drew the home side level with a ferocious rising shot past bewildered Elvis Chipezeze in goal for Zimbabwe.

Billiat got his second goal of the day in the 79th minute against the run of play after he tapped in a square ball from former Kaizer Chiefs striker Knowledge Musona.

Quite a number of Zimbabwe’s starting squad had some Absa Premiership flair which included former Orlando Pirates and Stade Reims anchorman Marshal Munetsi, former Kaizer Chiefs defender Teenage Hadebe now plying his trade in Turkey, Baroka goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, Bloemfontein Celtic left back Ronald Pfumbidzai, Amazulu midfielder Ovidy Karuru, Supersport midfielder Kudakwashe Mahachi as well as poster boy Billiat and skipper Musona.

The goal was the sucker punch Zimbabwe needed to deflate a Zambian side who attacked relentlessly in the second period.

Algeria lead the group with two wins out of their played two games against Zambia and Botswana with Zimbabwe now following close behind on four points after their win in Lusaka.

Zambia still remain winless and are now anchored at the bottom of the group following their two losses in consecutive matches.

The Afcon qualifiers resume next August with back to back matches between the Zimbabwe Warriors and Agerian Desert Foxes while Zambia’s Chipolopolo meet the Zebras of Botswana.

By Gerald Dandah