Harambee Stars opponents in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, Zimbabwe, have named their squad for the highly anticipated match on November 15 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
The need just a single point from their remaining two fixtures to secure a place in the continental showpiece scheduled for Morocco next year.
Zimbabwe fans are rallying to support their team in a crucial AFCON qualifier against Kenya in Polokwane, with sponsorships and passionate efforts to create a "home" atmosphere abroad.
Led by coach Michael Nees, the squad boasts a mix of experience and youth, as the look to achieve their qualification goal in style.
Zimbabwe will face Kenya’s Harambee Stars before taking on the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon four days later.
Both matches are decisive, but a draw against Kenya will be enough to see the Warriors secure a coveted AFCON berth.
Having already gathered eight points, Zimbabwe sits second in Group J, just behind Cameroon, who have already qualified.
Harambee Stars’ opponents have received a crucial fitness boost with the return of a key defender ahead of their decisive AFCON qualifier increasing the stakes for Kenya’s must-win match.
The Peter Mokaba Stadium is a strategic venue choice by Nees, with the coach aiming to provide his players with an environment conducive to thorough preparation.
In goal, Zimbabwe has called up Washington Arubi from Marumo Gallants, along with Brentford’s Marley Tavaziva and Martin Mapisa from Dynamos.
Arubi brings experience and composure between the posts, qualities that will be essential for a high-stakes game against Kenya.
The defense features a strong mix of local and international talent. Divine Lunga of Mamelodi Sundowns, Gerald Takwara from Al Minaa SC, and Jordan Zemura of Udinese are among the key defenders selected to fortify Zimbabwe’s backline.
Harambee Stars forward Johan Ayunga is warming up for Kenya’s 2025 AFCON qualifiers in fine fashion after scoring his first goal of the season for Scottish Premiership side St Mirren.
Notably, Teenage Hadebe, currently plying his trade at FC Cincinnati, brings a wealth of experience from Major League Soccer, while the inclusion of Munashe Garananga of FC Copenhagen adds European competition experience to the defensive unit.
Zimbabwe’s midfield boasts a blend of creativity and strength, headlined by Marvelous Nakamba from Luton Town and Joseph Okumu’s clubmate Marshall Munetsi.
The midfield also includes Andy Rinomhota from Cardiff City and Richard Hachiro from Ngezi Platinum.
Zimbabwe are considering relocating their final AFCON Qualifier against Kenya aiming to improve logistical conditions and training facilities.
In the attack, Zimbabwe has selected a formidable lineup with forwards capable of breaking down any defense.
Khama Billiat from Yadah FC, alongside Tinotenda Kadewere of FC Nantes and Tawanda Maswanhise from Motherwell, are joined by Prince Dube from Young Africans, who has been in impressive form in the Tanzanian league and Daniel Msendami from Marumo Gallants, among others.
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford), Martin Mapisa (Dynamos)
Defenders: Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Godknows Murwira (Caps United), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), Jordan Zemura (Udinese)
Midfielders: Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims), Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City), Richard Hachiro (Ngezi Platinum)
Forwards: Tinotenda Kadewere (FC Nantes), Khama Billiat (Yadah FC), Tymon Machope (Simba Bhora), Prince Dube (Young Africans), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Supersport United), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants), Walter Musona (Simba Bhora), Douglas Mapfumo (Polokwane City)