ZIMBABWE head coach Callisto Pasuwa says getting a point against Algeria has motivated his players to do better in the next match.
The Warriors put up a brave fight against the Afcon favourites – in fact Zimbabwe almost stole victory – but a lapse in concentration late in the game saw them settling for a draw.
Pasuwa said their objective now was to reach the second round.
“We sat too deep though we were catching them on the break.
“At this level, you have to be clinical in front of goal to win matches. It was only nine minutes to the end when they equalised,” said Pasuwa.
“I am happy with the one point. It was good for our morale at the start of the tournament as many see us as minnows.
“I told my players there are no small or big teams in tournament and urged them to work as a unit.
“We suffered because the players sought to defend and soaked up the pressure from Algeria. However I have taken both positives and negatives from the game and I hope to make amends,” he added.
CAF 2016 African Footballer of the Year Riyad Mahrez scored in either half as Algeria came from behind to hold Zimbabwe to a 2-2 draw in their Group B clash on Sunday.
The England-based star scored eight minutes from time to snatch a vital point for Algeria against a determined Zimbabwean side, who have themselves to blame for failing to make the most of the encounter.
Considered underdogs in the group, it took the Zimbabweans five minutes to take the lead through Nyasha Mushekwi from the spot after Mokhtar Belkhither felled his marker in the vital area.
The Southern Africans resumed on the same momentum and Khama Billiat almost made it a two-goal lead for his side in the opening minutes, only for Mbolhi to stretch his full limit to save the goal bound effort.
