Billiat braced for AFCON return after 3 year hiatus

By KickOff.com

With Zimbabwe just a point away from qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Khama Billiat is relishing the fact that their destiny is in their own hands when they take on Kenya in Polokwane.

Zimbabwe’s last appearance at AFCON came in the 2021 edition hosted by Cameroon, where they failed to make it out of the group stage.

Having missed the most recent tournament in the Ivory Coast due to a FIFA ban, the Warriors find themselves in a commanding position to qualify for the 2025 edition in Morocco, as they are just one point away from earning a sixth qualification for Africa’s biggest showpiece.

Sitting second in Group J behind Cameroon with eight points from four matches, Zimbabwe require only a draw against Kenya, who sit third in the group with four points from as many matches.

Billiat, who came out of international football retirement in August 2024, has revealed that he is delighted that his country’s AFCON fate is in their own hands.

“It’s a very important game of them all, we are glad that destiny is in our hands and we are able to control the outcome,” said the 33-year-old, according to New Zimbabwe.

“We are going into this game knowing what’s at stake, and we know very well what is important.

“We are trying to be calm and be at our best on the day.”

Notably, the former Kaizer Chiefs star is one of a select few active players who were part of the Zimbabwe squad that played at the 2021 AFCON, alongside current captain and vice-captain Marvelous Nakamba and Marshall Munetsi, as well as defender Gerald Takwara.