BURKINA FASO 2-0 ZIMBABWE

Date: Friday, 6 June 2025
Venue: Stade El Bachir, Mohammédia

Zimbabwe’s Warriors were handed a 2–0 defeat by Burkina Faso in an international
friendly played at Stade El Bachir in Mohammédia on Friday evening.
Burkina Faso made a strong start and stamped their authority early in the match,
scoring twice in the opening half. Stephane Aziz Ki opened the scoring with a
composed finish before Cyriaque Irie doubled the lead, capitalising on Zimbabwe’s
defensive frailties.

The Warriors found it difficult to contain the Burkinabè attack in the first 45 minutes
and were often forced to sit back and look for opportunities on the counter. While
Zimbabwe did manage to create a few promising openings, they were unable to
convert their chances.

Trailing 2–0 at the break, Warriors head coach Michael Nees rang the changes in the
63rd minute, introducing Tawanda Macheke, Sean Fusire and Daniel Msendami in
place of Khama Billiat, Mason Mushore and Tawanda Maswanhise. The substitutions
injected some much-needed energy and intent into Zimbabwe’s play.
Despite showing improvement in the second half, particularly through the attacking
efforts of Msendami and Tinotenda Kadewere, the Warriors were unable to breach a
disciplined and well-organised Burkinabè defence.

The result sees Burkina Faso draw level with Zimbabwe in their head-to-head record,
with each team now having won two of their five encounters.
It is worth noting that Zimbabwe were without several key players for this encounter,
including captain Marvelous Nakamba and vice-captain Marshall Munetsi, as well as
Andy Rinomhota, Knowledge Musona, Tawanda Chirewa, Jordan Zemura, Devine
Lungu and Munashe Garananga.

Coach Nees and his technical team will take heart from the team’s improved
showing in the second half, as preparations continue ahead of competitive fixtures
later in the year.

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