2026 FIFA WC Qualifiers: Zimbabwe can’t complain – Nees

Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees has explained why arriving early in Ivory Coast for a crucial FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Benin on Friday gives the Warriors an advantage.

Nees told Zimbabwe Football Association media that the Warriors early arrival gives his players time to settle in and acclimatise.

“We have nothing to complain about. We can be happy. We will see the training ground and this is important. Two-thirds of the squad is there. Everything is in order,” Nees said.

“It helps us really to settle. [When] you are in a new environment, you want to check everything. This gives us an additional day. You don’t want the time pressure. I am very happy about it.”

Nees also justified the inclusion of Thando Ngwenya and Tymon Machope, saying they deserved the call ups after impressing the previous weekend for their clubs.

The Warriors face Benin on Friday, 2025 followed by a meeting with Rwanda four days later. Both matches are for Group C.

The Warriors need to win both games to stand a chance of sneaking through to the World Cup finals.

Benin lead the group with eight points while Zimbabwe occupy second place with four points.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.