Zimbabwe, who fielded a number of Premier Soccer League stars, opened their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Botwsana on Friday evening.
The Warriors put out an impressive line-up that included Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Khama Billiat, Knox Mutizwa and European-based defenders, Teenage Hadebe and Marshall Munetsi.
Zimbabwe were on the front foot in the early stages, asking questions of the Zebras but they only got their first clear chance around the half-hour mark after being awarded a free-kick, but goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe was on hand to keep out Knowledge Musona's effort.
Musona turned provider from the resultant corner after picking out Mutizwa, who sent his header well over the crossbar as the frustration began to build for the home side.
Joey Antipas' troops kept on putting the visitors under pressure after the break, Mutizwa missed another headed chance, while left-back Ronald Pfumbidzai was denied from close range by Dambe.
The Zebras were struggling with the pace of the game after the hour-mark, with Amrouche forced to take out Tlhalefo Molebatsi due to injury and Maano Ditshupo was brought on as his replacement.
Despite the late push from Zimbabwe, Botswana were able to hold out for the remaining stages of the half to claim a valuable point on the road in their qualifying opener.
