Highlanders keeper Aaron Ngwenya rewarded with Warriors call-up for Equatorial Guinea clashes

Highlanders FC goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya has finally been rewarded for his stellar performances for the Bulawayo giants after breaking into the final Warriors squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea.

Ngwenya has been one of the standout performers at Bosso despite their struggles for consistency. He has consistently put in fine shows for the Bulawayo side and is one of the breakout players at the club.

He previously played for Arenel Movers, who were relegated last season. Ngwenya has been called up alongside Hardrock FC goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, ZPC Kariba’s Future Sibanda and Scotland FC’s Nelson Chadya.

While drafting Ngwenya into the squad, Warriors coach Ramon Catala made a bold call by dropping Elvis Chipezeze and has also added a fourth goalkeeper to the roster. Previously Zimbabwe has relied on three goalkeepers, but this time Catala has opted to expand the goalkeeping slots, making way for Ngwenya to make his Warriors debut.

It remains to be seen who will be first choice, as all the goalkeepers have been playing second fiddle previously to Washington Arubi and Chipezeze.

In the same squad, Hardrock captain Tinotenda Muringai and roving Scottland midfielder Mthokozisi Msebe have also been called up and is one of the latest additions to the team while Jonah Fabisch returns to the Warriors fold despite having been out of action at Golden Arrows.

Hardrock captain Tino Muringai makes it the Warriors squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Picture by Hardrock FC

On the other hand, Jordan Zemura and Tinotenda Kadewere, who missed the last matches against Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo due to injury, return and are expected to be available when Zimbabwe face Equatorial Guinea in back-to-back fixtures.

WARRIORS SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS
Martin Mapisa (Hardrock), Future Sibanda (Zpc Kariba), Nelson Chadya (Scottland), Aaron Ngwenya (Highlanders)

DEFENDERS
Jordan Zemura (Watford), Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town), Tinotenda Muringai (Hardrock), Kelvin Moyo (Scottland), Peter Muduhwa (Scottland), Emmanuel Jalai (Scottland), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday), Shane Maroodza (Sarajevo)

MIDFIELDERS

Abubakar Moffat (Scottland), Mthokozisi Msebe (Scottland), Marshall Munetsi (Wolves), Andy Rinomhota (Reading), Jonah Fabisch (Golden Arrows), Marvellous Nakamba (Panetolikos)

STRIKERS

Tawanda Chirewa (Wolves), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Bill Antonio (Kv Mechelen), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants) Tinotenda Kadewere (Aris Salonica), Thando Ngwenya (Amazulu)

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