Zimbabwe national team coach Sunday Chidzambwa feels Knowledge Musona’s sending off nearly spoiled the day for the Southern African nation who defied the numerical disadvantage to record a famous win in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
It was a memorable evening for the Warriors who silenced the Stade des Martyrs crowd with goals from Ronald Pfumbidzai and Musona.
But a controversial decision by Moroccan referee Redouane Jiyed to send off Musona with 16 minutes remaining almost allowed DR Congo to claw their way back into the match.
Aston Villa’s Yannick Bolasie grabbed a consolation goal for the hosts but it was too little too late for the Congolese as Chidzambwa's men held on for victory.
“It wasn’t an easy match for us,” Chidzambwa said after the game.
“I think the best we did was utilise the few scoring chances we had and they also missed their own chances. The game wasn’t easy at all especially when Knowledge Musona got a red card, it got worse. We panicked towards the end," he added.
“Instead of keeping possession we were just kicking the ball forward and as a result we put ourselves under pressure. But the good thing is we got the three points. We have to try and manage the home leg and try to produce a good result as well,” he said.
Musona has now scored four goals in three matches of this qualifying campaign.
The win saw Zimbabwe maintain their Group G top spot where they are three points clear.
