The Warriors’ preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have taken a significant hit after key players Marshall Munetsi and Jordan Zemura were ruled out of the final squad. The official list was confirmed on Thursday afternoon, ending days of uncertainty surrounding the duo’s fitness.
Both players suffered injuries in the past week while turning out for their respective clubs in Europe. Munetsi picked up a calf injury during Wolverhampton Wanderers’ clash with Nottingham Forest last Wednesday, while Zemura sustained a thigh problem in Udinese’s 2-1 defeat to Genoa on Monday. Their conditions were assessed during the national team’s camp, but neither recovered in time to be included in the final travelling squad.
Also missing from the list is forward Walter Musona, who was certified unfit at the very start of the preparation camp and did not take part in training sessions.
The absence of the experienced Munetsi and the energetic Zemura is undoubtedly a setback for Zimbabwe, who enter the tournament hoping to make an impact after strong qualifying performances. Coach and fans alike will now look to the remaining squad members to step up in their roles as the competition draws near.
AFCON 2025 will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, hosted across several Moroccan cities. The Warriors will kick off their campaign on 22 December, facing a daunting opener against seven-time champions Egypt at the Grand Stade d’Agadir, with kick-off scheduled for 7 PM CAT.
Zimbabwe’s second match is set for Boxing Day, 26 December, against Angola at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. They will then wrap up their Group Stage fixtures on 29 December, also in Marrakech, with a highly anticipated clash against regional rivals South Africa.
Despite the injury setbacks, anticipation remains high as Zimbabwe prepares to compete on Africa’s biggest football stage, backed by a passionate fan base eager to see the team rise to the occasion.
