Warriors leave for Afcon battle

by | Dec 30, 2021 | Local News, Sport | 0 comments

 

Alex Ndlovu

The Zimbabwe men’s football national team, yesterday left Zimbabwe for Cameroon, where they are going to play the Africa Cup of Nations.

The competition will run from January 9 to February 5 2022.

Shortly before departure, interim coach Norman Mapeza announced the 23 warriors players selected to represent the country.

Attacker Kundai Benyu who plies his trade in Scotland was a surprise addition in the team after not being on the initial 40men list announced early in the month, while Golden arrows hitman Knox Mtizwa was dropped.

Also dropped are Temptation Chiwunga, Panashe Mutimbanyoka, Shepherd Mhlanga and the Dynamos trio of goalkeeper Tymon Mvula, defender Frank Mukarati as well as young striker Bill Antonio.

Questions have been asked of Mapeza`s inclusion of 35 year old Onismor Bhasera, at the expense of Divine Lunga who is younger and still better paced.

Zimbabwe will also be without talisman Khama Billiat, who retired from international football.

ZIFA were optimistic they would be able to convince him to reconsider, but he has remained resolute.

Zimbabwe are in Group B with Senegal, Guinea and Malawi.

Below is the travelling team:

GOALKEEPERS

Petros Mhari, Martin Mapisa, Talbert Shumba

 

DEFENDERS

Peter Muduhwa, Alec Mudimu, Teenage Hadebe, Jordan Zemura, Godknows Murwira, Gerald Takwara, Gilroy Chimwemwe, Bruce Kangwa, Onismor Bhasera

 

MIDFIELDERS

Kelvin Madzongwe, Thabani Kamusoko, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Ishmael Wadi, Never Tigere, Kundai Benyu

 

STRIKERS

Admiral Muskwe, Prince Dube, David Moyo, Knowledge Musona, Tinotenda Kadewere