When the goal came, it was via a close-range bicycle kick from the impressive Banga, who reacted quickest when hitherto imperious Zimbabwe goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda failed to deal with a Serge Andoulo free-kick into his box amidst a melee of players.
The ball bounced up to Coton Sport’s Banda—who had been replaced as captain of the local Lions ahead of the tournament following Jacques Zoua’s decision to play for the home-based side—reacted quickest, and slammed a delightful overhead kick into an unguarded net.
Before his error, Sibanda had kept Zimbabwe in the contest with a series of fine saves, although credit must go to the Warriors backline who were resilient and organised, appearing to put behind them pre-match allegations of witchcraft from coach Zdravko Logarusic, who found a dead bat on the pitch before kick-off .