Hollow World Cup victory for Zimbabwe
( 2001-07-29 12:10 ) (7 )

Zimbabwe defeated Malawi 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier Saturday to confirm their status as the nearly men of African football.

The Warriors finished runners-up to South Africa in Group E after completing doubles over Malawi and Burkina Faso, but losing twice against Bafana Bafana (The Boys).

Only group winners qualify for the 2002 finals in Japan and South Korea so Zimbabwe can relfect on the latest of many failed attempts to reach the World Cup or African Nations Cup finals.

Midfielder Richard Choruma scored the winner after 78 minutes, heading a corner past Navigator Dzinkambani on a sunny, crisp winter afternoon in the Malawian commercial capital.

Malawi were woeful in attack which must concern Danish coach Kim Splidsboel ahead of a rematch at the same venue next month in the Castle Cup southern African championship semi-finals.