2026 World Cup Qualifiers: I am satisfied – Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees after holding South Africa to a stalemate

Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees expressed his satisfaction after his side held South Africa to a goalless draw in Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Despite being reduced to ten men, the Warriors stood firm to frustrate Bafana Bafana, who missed the opportunity to close the gap on Group C leaders Zimbabwe.

Reflecting on the result, Nees said the match provided a valuable test for his team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

“I must admit, we could have done better, but actually, that’s what we need to expect from the team and what they expect from themselves,” Nees stated, making his ambitions clear,” he said.

“I want to say it again, we don’t want to go to Morocco and be tourists there. We want to be there [in Marrakech] on New Year’s Eve, because the second round starts in the new year.”

“That is our ambition, our target, we’re working towards that,” he continued. While acknowledging the inevitable “ups and downs,” Nees remains hopeful about the long-term progress.”

The German tactician praised his players for their resilience and composure in a challenging atmosphere, describing the draw as a reflection of the team’s growth.

“I don’t think many teams today could have come to South Africa in a full house like this and get a draw. And we were there from the performance, from the attitude and also from the skills, I’m satisfied.”

Zimbabwe will wrap up their qualifiers against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Monday.