Jwaneng Galaxy’s attacking midfielder, Daniel Msendami, had a dream debut for the Zimbabwe Warriors, playing a pivotal role in their 6-5 penalty shootout win over Zambia in the Four Nations Tournament semi-final on Saturday.
Held at Bingu Stadium in Malawi, the match saw Msendami, being handed his first start by returning Zimbabwe national team coach Norman Mapeza.
The Highlanders product played the entire match and impressed throughout even contributing an assist to fellow debutant, Macauley Bonne.
Msendami’s perfectly delivered cross around the half-hour mark found the 28-year-old Cambridge United striker who tapped in home from close range.
Bonne’s 29th minute strike reduced the deficit and reignited hope for the Warriors who had conceded two goals in the opening 23 minutes.
Following in his brother Knowledge Musona’s footsteps, Walter Musona equalized at the stroke of halftime.
He made a run and evaded the offside trap to find himself one-on-one with the Chipolopolo goalkeeper and calmly tapped in home with his right foot.
The match remained deadlocked after regular time, forcing a penalty shootout.
While both Musona and Divine Lunga missed their spot kicks, Msendami stole the show, stepping up under pressure to convert the winning penalty.
He sent the Warriors into the final with a 6-5 penalty win over Zambia.
They are now scheduled to play Kenya in a final slated for Tuesday after the the Harambee Stars thrashed hosts Malawi 4-0 in the other semi-final.
