Zimbabwe senior national team coach Michael Nees has revealed that striker Knowledge Musona gave an indication of fatigue as he was hauled off in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin.
The match was Musona’s first in Warriors colours after making a U-turn on his international retirement since 2022.
The former Kaizer Chiefs forward started the game and scored the 2-2 equaliser to help try to keep his country’s qualification hopes alive in Group C, but he was replaced after an hour on the pitch.
Despite the point against the Cheetahs, the Warriors sit rock bottom in the group with just three points in five outings.
“He indicated some fatigue, and we thought, really come fresh legs, quick legs can make the difference,” said Nees.
“He indicated that and look, they’re not anymore 25 also come on we must not dare, how can you say, ignore realities? And this was a very intensive game, very fast, in my opinion. It was an AFCON level match for me, definitely. And then you need to bring new fresh legs. It’s very simple.
“It was the same with the other substitutes, Prince Dube a very good player. Somehow, he didn’t get into the game, and we thought, come we want to bring, maybe players who can enter the box, dribble into the box, like [Tawanda] Chirewa with this very tight touches, then the defender must be careful if he suddenly hits the leg.
“The longer the game, the more you risk you bring fresh legs in and maybe they can make the difference.”
