AFCON: Zimbabwe admit logistical and technical setbacks after FIFA’s directive

The latest decision by world governing body FIFA to cut down the time players must be released to their national teams ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco has left Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) in a crisis.

The decision by FIFA means African players at European clubs and elsewhere cannot join their national teams for AFCON until December 15, unless a consensus or negotiated agreement is reached between the player and the club.

According to ZIFA, the latest decision has delayed the availability of key players in the Warriors squad for the AFCON and disrupted the intended sequencing of training, friendly matches, and travel arrangements.

Pre-AFCON structure must be recalibrated under tighter timelines

“CAF and FIFA have jointly revised the mandatory player-release date for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, confirming that all clubs must release their players on or before 15 December 2025. This represents a shift from the previously agreed 8 December release date and has important implications for all participating nations as they prepare for the tournament in Morocco,” read part of the statement from ZIFA.

“For Zimbabwe, the adjustment delivers a significant logistical and technical setback. ZIFA had planned a high-level pre-tournament camp near Morocco to assemble the entire Warriors squad, including the foreign-based group, on time. This early gathering was central to the technical team’s strategy, ensuring the squad benefited from essential tactical work, conditioning sessions, and early acclimatisation in the North African environment.”

The statemement continued: “The delayed availability of key players compresses Zimbabwe’s build-up window and disrupts the intended sequencing of training, friendly matches, and travel arrangements. As a result, the Warriors’ pre-AFCON structure must now be recalibrated under tighter timelines…

“Despite this disruption, ZIFA remains focused and adaptive. The Association is actively reviewing the preparation framework to ensure the Warriors maintain a competitive trajectory heading into AFCON 2025. Further updates will be communicated once the revised training and travel arrangements are finalised.”

In Morocco, Zimbabwe have been drawn in Group B alongside Angola, Egypt and South Africa. The Warriors will start off their campaign against the Pharaohs on December 22.

Full Zimbabwe provisional squad for AFCON:

1.Washington Arubi
2. Martin Mapisa
3. Elvis Chipezeze
4. Godknows Murwira
5. Emmanuel Jalai
6. Isheanesu Anselmo Mauchi
7. John Gerald Tungamirai Takwara
8. Munashe Peter Garananga
9. Teenage Lingani Hadebe
10. Brendan Joel Zibusiso Galloway
11. Jordan Bhekithemba Zemura
12. Jonah Reinhard Fabisch
13. Thandolwenkosi Methuseli Ngwenya
14. Daniel Msendami
15. Bill Leeroy Antonio
16. Tawanda Jethro Maswanhise
17. Walter Tatenda Musona
18. Tymon Machope
19. Tawanda Blessing Chirewa
20. Marshall Nyasha Munetsi
21. Marvelous Nakamba
22. Prince Mpumelelo Dube
23. Divine Xolile Lunga
24. Prosper Padera
25. Sean Sheunesu Fusire
26. Andrew Farai Rinomhota
27. Terrence Dzvukamanja
28. Washington Gift Navaya
29. Bonne Macauley
30. Nelson Tapiwa Chadya
31. Donovan Fungai Benard
32. Kevin Njabulo Moyo

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