Zimbabwe booked their ticket to the next Africa Cup of Nations tournament which will be hosted in Morocco next year when they played to a 1-1 draw against Kenya at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday.
The Warriors have mathematically qualified for the next Afcon but it was not an easy one for them as they gave away their lead in the second half.
The scoring was opened by Tawanda Maswanhise in the 32nd minute and the Scottish Premiership striker, who plies his trade for Motherwell FC, showed immense skill in doing so.
The attacking midfielder found space just inside the penalty box and worked the keeper as he struck cleanly to get the ball into the back of the net.
The teams went into the halftime break with Zimbabwe ahead, but Kenya were not quiet in the first half and also had their own chances on goal.
When the match resumed, the Harambee Stars started to pile on the pressure and it soon paid off.
Jonah Ayunga’s effort was successful and suddenly matters were level in the intense clash.
The Warriors held on as Kenya kept charging for the winning goal, and did well as the fulltime whistle was blown and it was all but confirmed that they will be featuring in the next continental showpiece.
Zimbabwe (1) 1 (Maswanhise 32’)
Kenya (0) 1 (Ayunga 52’)
Zimbabwe: W. Arubi, G. Takwara (G. Murwira 56’), M. Garananga, J. Zemura, T. Hadebe, K. Billiat (D. Mapfumo 85’), M. Nakamba, A. Rihomhota, T. Maswanhise (T. Dzukamanja 72’), M. Munetsi, W. Musona (D. Lunga 72’)
Kenya: B. Odhiambo, A. Nondi, J. Omurwa, J. Okumu (D. Abuya 51’), E. Otieno, A. Akumu (C. Momanyi 51’), O. Khamis, R. Onyango (J. Avire 77’), D. Anyembe, J. Ayunga (A. Otieno 89’), M. Olunga