Zimbabwe have announced a 23-man squad for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria later this month.
The Warriors, still chasing their first-ever World Cup qualification, currently sit bottom of Group C with two points from two matches.
Head coach Michael Nees has recalled former captain Knowledge Musona, who headlines the squad alongside several top stars playing in Europe and South Africa. Zimbabwe will face Benin on March 20 before taking on Nigeria on March 25 in Uyo, aiming to revive their qualification hopes.
Veteran forward Musona, currently playing for Saudi club Al-Okhdood, returns to add experience, while Premier League midfielder Marshall Munetsi of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff City’s Andy Rinomhota bolster the midfield.
The Warrriors team photo.
Luton Town’s Marvelous Nakamba and Huddersfield Town’s Tawanda Chirewa are also included in the squad.
Defensively, the Warriors will rely on Udinese left-back Jordan Zemura, FC Copenhagen’s Munashe Garananga, and Divine Lunga of Mamelodi Sundowns. Brentford youngster Marley Tavaziva joins experienced goalkeepers Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants) and Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC).
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Up front, Nees has named Young Africans’ Prince Dube, Motherwell’s Tawanda Maswanhise, and Supersport United’s Terrence Dzvukamanja to lead the attack.
The full squad also includes: Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC), Isheanes Mauchi (Simba Bhora), Peter Muduhwa (Scotland), Godknows Murwira (Scotland), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Mihood, and Tymon Machope (Scotland).
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Zimbabwe will host Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, before traveling to Uyo to battle Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
The Super Eagles, currently fifth in Group C with three points, will first face Rwanda before their clash with Zimbabwe. With both teams in desperate need of points, these fixtures could be make-or-break in their quest for a 2026 World Cup ticket.
