Kaitano Tembo reacts to Warriors’ 2027 AFCON qualifiers draw

Interim Warriors coach Kaitano Tembo has reacted to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations draw, where The Warriors were drawn in Group E alongside DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Sierra Leone.

Tembo is holding fort at the helm of Zimbabwe senior men national team, following the tumultuous exit of Marian Marinica last month after a few games in-charge of the team.

The former Warriors defender, Tembo says his side were handed a fair draw in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, but warned against underestimating their opponents, particularly Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone.

THE DRAW IS FAIR SAYS KAITANO TEMBO

“The draw is fair, it’s now up to us to play our part and make the nation proud. DR Congo’s qualification for the World Cup is a clear indication of their quality, they have talented players in top leagues,” Tembo told Fanzone.

“We shouldn’t underestimate Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea, they are capable of causing an upset. It’s still a long way to go until qualifiers start but we have to prepare. Zimbabwe has plenty of talent, both locally and in other leagues, we can become a known powerhouse in African football.”

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage qualifiers are set to kick off in September 2026, with matches scheduled to run through FIFA international windows until the final matchdays in March 2027.

And The Warriors will be hoping to qualify for the tournament to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

But first, the former Sekhukhune United and SuperSport United [now Siwelele FC] coach has to win the hearts of Zimbabweans that he is the right man to led The Warriors.

Tembo’s first task is at the upcoming four-nation Unity Cup 2026, which is taking place at The Valley Stadium in London, UK. The tournament runs from May 26 to May 30 and features Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Jamaica, and India.

The Warriors face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the opening semi-final. Tembo is hoping to use the mini-tournament to audition for himself as well as test some of the rising stars, among them Mongameli Tshuma and Corbin Mthunzi.

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