Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Marshall Munetsi scored a brace as Zimbabwe came from two goals down to beat Sierra Leone 3-2.
The Warriors started a new rein under Ramon Catalana but got off on the wrong foot away at the Leone Stars.
Alie Conteh made it 1-0 for the hosts just after seven minutes, while Sallieu Tarawallie doubled the lead in the 27th minute.
It took Zimbabwe until the 72nd minute until they were on the scoreboard, with Munetsi halfing their deficit.
But just four minutes later Tawanda Chirewa netted the equaliser to level the tie.
Zimbabwe then completed their incredible comeback after 88 minutes, when Munetsi found the winner to hand Catalana a perfect start.
The Warriors will continue their campaign on 28 September when they will host DR Congo at home.