AFCON: Can Zimbabwe’s Warriors break their Group stage block

By Agencies

Zimbabwe’s Warriors are headed back to Africa’s biggest football stage for their sixth Africa Cup of Nations appearance — and this time, belief is growing that the long-awaited breakthrough might finally be within reach.

Across five previous campaigns, Zimbabwe have been unable to advance beyond the group stage, often falling just short despite moments of promise.

The 2025 edition presents another chance to shift the narrative. Qualification came through a resilient run in Group J, where they finished behind Cameroon but showed enough attacking quality to suggest that progress is possible.

However, their uneven form in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers — where they finished bottom of a demanding group featuring South Africa, Nigeria, Benin, Lesotho, and Rwanda — prompted the departure of coach Michael Nees and raised questions about the team’s trajectory.

Under new leadership, the Warriors arrive at AFCON 2025 looking to restore confidence and rekindle national pride.

This current generation offers genuine quality across the pitch. In midfield, Marshal Munetsi provides power, discipline, and a European-honed tactical edge, while Marvelous Nakamba’s positional awareness and defensive discipline add much-needed stability.

At the back, Teenage Hadebe leads with authority, Jordan Zemura brings dynamism and width from the flank, and Walter Musona supplies pace and ingenuity in the final third. Together, they form a balanced core capable of troubling even the strongest opponents.

Yet their Group B assignment is undeniably demanding. Zimbabwe will come up against record champions Egypt, long-time rivals South Africa, and a lively Angola side.

Egypt’s experience and firepower make them clear favourites, while South Africa — buoyed by a cohesive and confident squad — pose a formidable challenge. Angola, known for their high-tempo, aggressive style, can punish teams who switch off even briefly.

For Zimbabwe, this group offers both a stern test and a valuable opportunity. It is a chance to measure themselves against top-tier opposition and perhaps overturn two decades of group-stage frustration.

The difference this time may lie in the team’s strengthened sense of unity and ambition. Senior players have spoken of their desire to spark a new era in Zimbabwean football, one that reignites belief among supporters and sets a higher standard for future generations.

If the Warriors can start sharply, maintain defensive discipline, and lean into the creativity of their midfield, they have the tools to cause upsets and push for a historic knockout berth.

As anticipation builds for AFCON 2025, Zimbabwe’s journey stands out as one filled with perseverance, potential, and a nation’s hope. This is a moment for the Warriors to stand tall, embrace the challenge, and prove that their long quest for knockout football may finally be reaching its turning point.