Tactical Analysis, Zimbabwe vs Nigeria—Musona stuns Nigeria with screamer as Zimbabwe hold on for a draw

TAWANDA CHARI

Base Formation: 4-1-4-1

Most Benefitting Player: Tino Kadewere

Standout Player: Gerald Takwara

Result: Zimbabwe 1-1 Nigeria

KIGALI – Walter Musona's wonder strike and first for Zimbabwe was cancelled out by Kelechi Iheanacho's second-half strike from close range on Sunday to level the second match of the Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. 

Zimbabwe played to a one all draw against Nigeria in the second match of Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match at Huye Stadium in Rwanda

The match was played at a neutral venue in Rwanda after Zimbabwe's stadia were suspended by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for failing to meet FIFA standards.

Both teams sit on points from two games in Group C of the African qualifiers. The group winners from each group will qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. 

Tactical Analysis

Most of the players  called up for the Warriors don't really fit together and Brito spent the better part of his first game against Rwanda tinkering with his side to find something that worked. That's to be expected in international football.

He started  with a very defensive back three with two up top then one, after Admiral Muskwe got injured.

That didn't quite work and nothing was solving his biggest problem. The team couldn’t really go forward enough. He stumbled onto a 4-1-4-1 base shape midway into the game and had some success getting the ball upfield where Zimbabwe could be dangerous. 

The logic going into the Super Eagles game was simple. If it works, run it back one more time. It's international football. If you’re struggling to pass the ball in front of your own goal, then hoof it higher up the pitch and try to keep the ball  near your opponents goal.

The blueprint for this new Warriors  boss is obvious. Defense first approach with long balls high up the pitch and in-behind the defense. Use Kadewere's pace to quickly run in behind and hope something happens. 

Kadewere had numerous through and over the top balls behind the defense for him to attack that never really stuck but the intention to get him involved was apparent. The best chance he had was wasted as he chose to find Musona instead of going for goal himself early in the first half.

With Nakamba installed in his preferred destroyer role along with Andy Rinemhota and Marshall Munetsi shuffling interchangeably in front of him to cover the attacking responsibilities, free to move around, get forward and attempt to impact the game that way, the new plan seems evident.

Andy/Munetsi would sometimes alternate to drop deep from their high half space starting positions to receive or to bait Nigeria press opening up space behind him for Walter Musona or Tino Kadewere to attack. 

The warriors shape would morph into a 4-2-3-1/2-4-2-1 with both fullbacks Zemura and Mbeba high and wide providing width on the flanks. That was the plan until Walter Musona's thunderous bolt from 30 yards out.

Without the ball, the Warriors employed an impressive 4-1-4-1 midblock but allowed the Super Eagles to have majority of the ball especially in the second half. 

Brito adjusted, and brought in Tanaka Shandirwa for some much needed attacking threat to nullify Nigeria's pressure late in the second half. Shandirwa could have had a goal and an assist on a different day.