Warriors Face Tough AFCON Group, but Coach Nees Remains Optimistic

As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) draws closer, Zimbabwe’s senior men’s national team, the Warriors, are gearing up for what promises to be a challenging yet exciting tournament. The team finds itself in Group B alongside heavyweights Egypt, former champions South Africa, and a tricky Angola side, but head coach Michael Nees remains upbeat about their chances.

The draw, held in Morocco, placed the Warriors in a competitive pool with familiar faces. Reflecting on the group, Nees highlighted the familiarity of facing two fellow COSAFA teams, South Africa and Angola, while acknowledging the formidable presence of record AFCON winners Egypt.

“Three teams from COSAFA—no secrets here. The teams know each other very well. A derby against rivals Bafana Bafana again and a clash with a skilful Angola side who have a different playing style. Not to mention North African powerhouses Egypt, who will bring their stars and best team. In my opinion, it’s a very balanced, strong, and competitive group,” Nees said.

Preparing for the Challenge

The Warriors will kick off their campaign against Egypt in Agadir before moving to Marrakech for matches against Angola and South Africa. With such a demanding schedule, Nees is confident that solid preparations will play a crucial role in their success.

“We need to be up to the challenge straight from the beginning, but with good preparations, we can meet it. As with any other team, we aim to progress to the second round. We respect our opponents, but we have self-belief in our strength and skills to achieve this objective,” Nees emphasized.

The coach remains optimistic about the tournament as a whole, predicting that it will set new standards for AFCON in terms of conditions and facilities. “The tournament will set new standards for an AFCON, I am sure, and the conditions and facilities will be quite fair and equal for all the teams.”

A Tough Path Ahead

The Warriors’ group features a mix of seasoned competitors and familiar foes. Egypt, the tournament favorites, boast a rich footballing pedigree and are expected to field a star-studded squad. South Africa, who have a long-standing rivalry with Zimbabwe, bring a blend of youth and experience, while Angola’s flair and unpredictability make them a dangerous opponent.

Zimbabwe’s journey starts against Egypt, a daunting task that will test their mettle early. A clash with Angola follows before rounding off the group stage with the highly anticipated derby against Bafana Bafana.

The Road to Glory

Zimbabwe has a history of falling short at the group stage in previous AFCON tournaments. However, Nees’ optimism and belief in his squad’s ability suggest that this year could be different. With proper preparation, a clear game plan, and the determination to compete at the highest level, the Warriors will aim to defy the odds and make it to the knockout rounds.

While the group is undeniably tough, Zimbabwe’s players and fans alike can take heart from their coach’s confidence and rally behind the team as they embark on this challenging journey. With a blend of self-belief and resilience, the Warriors will look to make their mark on the 2025 AFCON stage.