An own goal on the cusp of half-time earned Zimbabwe a 1-1 draw against Swaziland at the Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba on Friday.
A point apiece leaves the two Southern African sides deadlocked on five points atop Group L after three rounds of fixtures.
Swaziland got off to the perfect start and grabbed the opener inside two minutes through Kaizer Chiefs target Felix Badenhorst; the Sihlangu striker lost his marker at the back post before guiding a diving header into the corner of the net from close range.
Boasting a potent attacking threat, Zimbabwe went on the offensive and went close moments later through Matthew Rusike. The burly forward, who currently plies his trade in Sweden, unlucky to see his shot fly just over.
The Warriors pulled level in rather fortuitous circumstances with 44 minutes on the clock.
Knowledge Musona’s corner-kick was poor, but Swaziland failed in their attempts to clear with three players involved in what can be described as a calamitous own goal – Njabulo Ndlovu the unfortunate player credited with the goal in the end.
Zimbabwe came out firing after the break and went close through Musona who forced a good save out of the Swaziland goalkeeper.
The rest of the half failed to provide much in goal scoring opportunities with both sides settling for a point. The reverse fixture is set for the Rufaro Stadium in Harare on Monday.
