AFCON: Zimbabwe finalize squad; Zemura and Munetsi out

Zimbabwe national team coach Mario Marinica’s squad was confirmed on Thursday for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

 

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Notable European-based players Jordan Zemura and Marshall Munetsi will miss out due to injury. Zemura suffered a knock three days ago while in action for Udinese, with a muscle injury confirmed by the club before the flank player was left out of the final squad. Munetsi was ruled out for around six weeks by club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

It appeared that Marinica may move on without the services of experienced players like Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona. However, Musona has been included after winning the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League title with upstarts Scottland FC. The local champions have three players in the squad. Other local-based players in the squad include TelOne FC goal scoring sensation Washington Navaya.

FC Copenhagen defender Munashe Garananga leads a strong defense that also includes Plymouth Argyle player Brendan Galloway and hard-nosed FC Cincinnati player Teenage Hadebe. Mamelodi Sundowns player Divine Lunga is another notable inclusion. A battle for the starting goalkeeper position is ongoing with South Africa-based shot stoppers Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC) and Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants) in contention.

Luton Town FC player Marvelous Nakamba will lead the midfield unit. After a difficult bout with injuries over the past year, Nakamba is closing in on full fitness and has been allowed to join up early.

The Warriors are in Group B along with Egypt, South Africa and Angola with their first fixture against Egypt on December 22. After missing out on the previous edition of the tournament in 2023 due to a FIFA ban, they are making their sixth appearance at the competition and have never progressed beyond the group stage.