Zimbabwe Warriors head coach Michael Nees has officially named his squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where the team is set to face Kenya and Cameroon in two crucial matches. The squad, which will compete in the qualifiers, is made up of 23 players, with a significant emphasis on attack, as the coach has selected nine forwards to bolster the team’s offensive capabilities.
The Warriors will first face Kenya on November 15, 2024, at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa. This match is pivotal for Zimbabwe, who need just one point to secure their spot in the AFCON finals scheduled for December 2025 in Morocco. Following the Kenya clash, the Warriors will travel to Cameroon for their second match on November 19.
The squad is balanced with experience and youth, with players from both domestic and international leagues making the cut. Key players such as Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims), and Khama Billiat (Yadah FC) are expected to play crucial roles. Other notable inclusions are Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati) and Tinotenda Kadewere (FC Nantes), who will lead the charge in defense and attack.
Goalkeepers:
- Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants)
- Marley Tavaziva (Brentford)
- Martin Mapisa (Dynamos)
Defenders:
- Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC)
- Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen)
- Godknows Murwira (Caps United)
- Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos)
- Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati)
- Jordan Zemura (Udinese)
Midfielders:
- Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town)
- Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims)
- Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City)
- Richard Hachiro (Ngezi Platinum)
Forwards:
- Tinotenda Kadewere (FC Nantes)
- Khama Billiat (Yadah FC)
- Tymon Machope (Simba Bhora)
- Prince Dube (Young Africans)
- Terrence Dzvukamanja (Supersport United)
- Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell)
- Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants)
- Walter Musona (Simba Bhora)
- Douglas Mapfumo (Polokwane City)
With Zimbabwe on the verge of qualifying for the AFCON finals, all eyes will be on the Warriors as they prepare for these crucial encounters. Fans and pundits alike are hoping for a strong performance to secure their place at Africa’s premier football tournament.
