Roman Catala Blames Limited Preparation Time for Warriors’ AFCON Qualifier Defeat to DRC

Zimbabwe Warriors head coach Roman Catala has attributed his team’s 2-1 defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifier to limited preparation time. The defeat at the National Sports Stadium on Monday dealt a setback to Zimbabwe’s Group E campaign. DRC moved to the top of the group with six points, while the Warriors remained second on three points, ahead of Equatorial Guinea on goal difference. Sierra Leone sit at the bottom without a point. Catala said the difference in preparation between the two teams made it difficult for Zimbabwe to match a DRC side that has played together for several years.

DRC made the stronger start and controlled much of the opening stages of the match. The visitors eventually broke the deadlock in the 30th minute after Zimbabwe goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze struggled to deal with a high ball. Yoane Wissa reacted quickly to the loose ball and finished the opportunity to put DRC ahead. The goal gave the visitors an advantage at a time when Zimbabwe were still trying to settle into the match. It also highlighted the importance of concentration and decision-making against a team capable of quickly capitalising on mistakes.

The Warriors responded positively after conceding and created several opportunities to level the match. Thando Ngwenya and Tawanda Chirewa were both denied by an impressive double save from the DRC goalkeeper. Marshall Munetsi also came close when his header was cleared off the line. Chirewa continued to threaten from distance and tested the Congolese goalkeeper with a long-range effort shortly before half-time. Zimbabwe’s inability to convert those opportunities became a major factor in the outcome as DRC punished the Warriors with greater efficiency in front of goal.

DRC then extended its advantage just before the interval through another decisive attacking move. Wissa, who had opened the scoring, turned provider by finding Samuel Moutoussamy with a well-timed pass. Moutoussamy kept his composure and calmly finished the opportunity to make it 2-0. The second goal left Zimbabwe with a difficult task after the break, especially after the Warriors had created chances without finding the net. DRC therefore went into half-time with a two-goal advantage despite Zimbabwe showing enough attacking intent to suggest that the match could have been closer.

Zimbabwe improved after the interval and looked more energetic following several substitutions. Daniel Msendami, Emmanuel Jalai, Divine Lunga and Sean Fusire were introduced as Catala sought to change the course of the game. Their arrival gave the Warriors additional attacking energy and helped Zimbabwe spend more time in advanced positions. DRC remained a threat, however, and Wissa came close to adding another goal when his effort struck the post in the 60th minute. The missed opportunity kept Zimbabwe within reach of a comeback, but the Warriors still needed to convert their own chances.

Zimbabwe eventually reduced the deficit in stoppage time through Munetsi. The midfielder rose to head home from a corner and gave the Warriors hope of finding a late equaliser. The goal was Munetsi’s third of the AFCON qualifying campaign, underlining his contribution to Zimbabwe’s attack during the early stages of the qualification process. Zimbabwe continued pushing forward after the goal but could not find another opportunity that resulted in an equaliser. The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 defeat and left the Warriors with three points from their opening Group E matches.

Speaking after the match, Catala focused on the difference in preparation time between the two teams. He said DRC had the advantage of having a group of players who had been playing together for around five years, while Zimbabwe had only one week to prepare fully for the match. The coach argued that such a short preparation period made it difficult for the Warriors to develop the same level of understanding and coordination. International football often gives national teams limited time together because players arrive from different clubs and competitions. Catala therefore viewed the preparation gap as an important factor in assessing Zimbabwe’s performance against DRC.

Despite the defeat, Catala praised the Warriors for their overall performance. He said Zimbabwe played well but failed to take advantage of the chances they created during the match. His assessment placed particular emphasis on finishing, as the Warriors produced opportunities but were unable to convert them when they mattered. The missed chances proved costly because DRC took advantage of its opportunities and established a two-goal lead before half-time. Zimbabwe’s late goal demonstrated their ability to create pressure, but the response came too late to change the result.

The result leaves the Warriors facing a competitive Group E campaign as they continue their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. DRC currently lead the group with six points, while Zimbabwe have three points. Equatorial Guinea also have three points but trail the Warriors on goal difference, making the battle for the remaining positions closely contested at this stage. Sierra Leone have yet to collect a point. With further qualifying matches still to come, Zimbabwe will need to turn promising performances into points if they are to maintain their challenge for a place at the continental tournament.

For Catala and the Warriors, the defeat also provides several areas to address before their next qualifying assignments. Improving finishing will be important after Zimbabwe created multiple opportunities against DRC without scoring until stoppage time. Defensive concentration will also require attention after both Congolese goals came before half-time. At the same time, the impact of the second-half substitutions showed that Zimbabwe could compete more effectively when they increased their intensity and attacking movement. The challenge now is to build on those positive aspects while improving preparation, coordination and efficiency in front of goal.

The 2-1 loss to DRC was therefore a difficult result for Zimbabwe, but it does not end the Warriors’ AFCON qualification campaign. Catala has identified limited preparation time as one of the key challenges behind the defeat, while the match itself exposed both the strengths and weaknesses of the Zimbabwean side. The Warriors created enough opportunities to score more goals but struggled to finish them, while DRC showed greater efficiency and took control through two first-half goals. Zimbabwe remain second in Group E on three points and will have further opportunities to improve their position. Their response in the remaining qualifiers will determine how effectively they can turn the lessons from the DRC defeat into stronger performances.