What To Expect As The Warriors Arrive In Morocco For The AFCON Finals
As the Zimbabwe Warriors touch down in Morocco for the AFCON finals, anticipation and anxiety swirl among fans and analysts alike. The team is at a pivotal moment, grappling with the absence of key players like Marshall Munetsi, Walter Musona, and Jordan Zemura, whose contributions have been invaluable in the qualifying campaign. Their absence raises questions about the team’s depth and resilience, especially as they face some of Africa’s best teams in a highly competitive tournament.
The Warriors arrived in Casablanca on Wednesday afternoon where they will be based during the group stage matches. Other foreign-based players like Brendon Galloway Tawanda Maswanhise, Tawanda Chirewa, Sean Fusire, etc will fly directly to join the rest of the team in Morocco.
The Warriors are currently in a phase of gelling, with a mix of seasoned players and fresh faces. The new Warriors coach Marian Marinica has included five ‘new’ players who were not involved in the qualifiers to make up his final 28-man squad. Wales-based defender Alec Mudimu who last played for the Warriors at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations before retiring from international football in January 2025 received a surprise call to the squad so with Ishmael Wadi who last featured prominently during Afcon 2021 and Macauley Bonne who once had short stints with the Warriors having last played in the March 2024 Four Nations tournament in Malawi.
16-year-old Tadiwanashe Chakuchichi and South African-based Junior Zindoga received their first international call-ups. Chakuchichi alongside Finnish-based Prosper Padera (19) are the youngest in the squad.
This blend of players brings both excitement and uncertainty. While the inclusion of new talent can inject energy and creativity into the squad, it also means that the team is still finding its rhythm. The lack of competitive match experience together could pose challenges, particularly in high-pressure situations that AFCON is known for.
Adding to the intrigue is the presence of a new coach at the helm Marinica who will be taking charge of his first official match with the Warriors in Morocco against the favorites Egypt. ‘Mario’ began his journey with the Warriors in the previous friendly international encounters against Algeria and Qatar in November. His strategies and tactics will be put to the test on this grand stage, and fans are eager to see how he adapts to the challenges posed by the tournament. The coach’s ability to harness the potential of the talented players at his disposal will be crucial. Zimbabwe has a rich pool of talent, and if the coach can effectively integrate the new players while maintaining the core strengths of the team, there is potential for a strong showing.
As the Warriors embark on this journey, supporters will be watching closely, hoping to see a cohesive unit that can rise to the occasion. The team’s performance in Morocco will not only be a reflection of their preparation but also a testament to their spirit and determination. While the absence of Nyasha Munetsi, Walter Musona, and Jordan Zemura is felt, the Warriors have the opportunity to showcase their depth and resilience, proving that they can compete at the highest level.
In the coming days, as the team settles into their routine in Morocco, fans will be looking for signs of chemistry on the pitch, tactical acumen from the coach, and the emergence of new stars.
The Warriors will open their group B match against Egypt on the 22nd of December followed by Angola on the 26th of December and complete their group matches with a date against neighbors South Africa on the 29th of December.
The AFCON finals are a chance for the Zimbabwe Warriors to make their mark, and while the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, the potential for success is undeniable. With hope and determination, the Warriors will aim to make their nation proud on this prestigious stage.
