Group B on Alert as Zimbabwe Warriors Eye History in Morocco
Zimbabwe have fired an early warning to their Group B rivals ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), insisting they are not travelling to Morocco to make up the numbers.
The Warriors have been drawn into one of the tournament’s toughest pools alongside South Africa, Egypt and Angola. Their campaign opens against seven-time champions Egypt, followed by a COSAFA showdown with Angola, before concluding the group stage with a potentially explosive clash against Bafana Bafana.
That final group encounter already carries extra edge. South Africa were held to a near-fatal goalless draw by Zimbabwe in their recent FIFA World Cup qualifier—an encounter that underlined the Warriors’ ability to frustrate and compete with Hugo Broos’ side. A repeat meeting on AFCON soil now promises a feisty COSAFA derby, with pride and bragging rights firmly on the line.
Adding further spice to Group B, Angola will kick off their AFCON campaign against Bafana Bafana on Monday, 22 December, setting the tone early in what is shaping up to be a brutally competitive section.
Despite the challenge—and the absence of key figures such as Wolves midfielder Marshall Munetsi and experienced forward Khama Billiat—head coach Mario Marinica remains confident Zimbabwe can defy expectations.
“So many people support us and we thank them for that,” Marinica said. “The most important thing is to stay together, avoid the noise and focus on what we want to do. We want to go there and achieve something that hasn’t been achieved before—to qualify.”
Belief despite setbacks
Marinica acknowledged the obstacles facing his squad, including injuries, limited game time for some players and logistical issues around player releases.
“Yes, there are challenges. We have injured players and others who haven’t played much at their clubs. We also had setbacks with clubs and FIFA regarding our plans to assemble early. Some players from South Africa are available, a few from Europe, but not as many as we would have liked,” he explained.
Tight schedule, limited preparation
Zimbabwe’s preparations will be tested by a demanding travel and match schedule that allows minimal time on the training pitch.
“We will meet about 10 players only when we get to Morocco, and we’ll have just one proper training session at first,” Marinica said. “From the 16th to the 29th it’s a lot of matches and recovery, but only two full training sessions.”
Even so, the Warriors coach remains resolute.
“It is what it is. We believe in our cause and we believe we can do what hasn’t been achieved before.”
With confidence rising in the Zimbabwe camp, Bafana Bafana, Angola and Egypt have been put on notice—Group B will be unforgiving, and the Warriors intend to be right in the mix until the very end.