Tino Kadewere gives injury update after missing Warriors’ 2027 AFCON qualifiers
Warriors striker Tino Kadewere has issued a positive injury update after missing the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifiers against Sierra Leone and DR Congo last month.
The Aris Thessaloniki forward was forced to withdraw from coach Ramon Catala’s 24-man squad after sustaining a knock in the 81st minute of his club’s Greek Super League match against Iraklis.
WHAT HAPPENED TO TINO KADEWERE?
ZIFA confirmed that Kadewere picked up the injury on September 20 during Aris Thessaloniki’s 0-0 draw with Iraklis. He started the match but was substituted late on.
As a result, he missed Zimbabwe’s Group E qualifiers — away clash against Sierra Leone in El Jadida, Morocco on 24 September, and a home tie against DR Congo at the National Sports Stadium on 28 September.
The Zimbabwe Football Association drafted in Castle Lager Premier Soccer League top scorer Washington Navaya and Dynamos winger Leeroy Mavunga as replacements.
Now recovering at home, the former Harare City, Le Havre and Lyon striker reassured fans on social media.
“Minor setback, but getting better, step by step and getting stronger everyday. Always grateful some family time,” Kadewere wrote on his Facebook story.
The 29-year-old has endured a frustrating run of injuries. He missed the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco due to a knee surgery and was targeting a strong comeback for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Isaac Mabaya in Liverpool colors. Picture by Liverpool FC
ISAAC MABAYA AND JORDAN ZEMURA INJURY UPDATES
Kadewere is not the only Warrior on the road to recovery. The Liverpool right-back Isaac Mabaya [22] was forced to withdraw from what would have been his first-ever senior call-up for Zimbabwe.
The Preston-born defender picked up a knock just six minutes into Liverpool U21’s 5-1 win over Brighton U21 in Premier League 2, despite providing an assist for the opener. Reports from Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre suggest an absence of around two weeks.
Mabaya, who previously represented England at U19 level, missed the entire 2024/25 season after rupturing his Achilles on loan at Wigan.
On the otherhand, Jordan Zemura who was stretchered off after 42 minutes in Watford’s Championship clash against Stoke City, is recovering.
According to Watford FC’s medical update, Zemura is recovering well and has resumed light gym work, with a return to full training expected soon.
Catala will be hoping to have Kadewere, Mabaya and Zemura back for the next round of 2027 AFCON qualifiers in November 2026.
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