Tawanda Chirewa makes early return from international duty with Zimbabwe

The Warriors were playing their first match under new head coach Mario Marinica, and found themselves behind at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium after a 15th minute Baghdad Bounedjah goal.

The Desert Foxes then doubled their advantage just before half-time when Amine Amoura slotted home in the 42nd minute.

Algeria made it 3–0 in the 45th minute as left-back Jaouen Hadjam fired in, while Tawanda Chirewa netted a late consolation, with his 89th minute penalty, after coming off the bench.

Chirewa was expected to be part of the team to face Qatar in Doha on Monday but he has made the trip back to Wolves to be assesed by new head coach Rob Edwards.

Part of a Zimbabwe Football Association statement read: "This decision was reached with the full blessing and consent of ZIFA, after Wolverhampton Wanderers formally requested an opportunity for the player to be assessed by their new technical team as part of their internal preparations for the season ahead.

"ZIFA emphasises that this development is not a withdrawal, nor does it reflect any dispute or disagreement.

"Instead, it represents a professional and mutually respectful alignment between the national association and the player's parent club, an alignment that prioritises the athlete's long‑term development while safeguarding Zimbabwe's national football interests."