Kadewere returns to the Zimbabwe national football team

Tino Kadewere has made a timely return to the Zimbabwe national football team, as he has been included in the 23-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group J qualifiers against Kenya and Cameroon later this month.

Kadewere, who has been sidelined due to injury, will be looking to make his first appearance under coach Michael Nees after pulling out of previous call-ups against Kenya, Cameroon, and Namibia. The Nantes striker has fully recovered and was in action last weekend, scoring for his club in a 2-1 defeat to Marseille in Ligue 1. His inclusion will boost the Warriors' attacking options as they approach two critical fixtures in their bid for Afcon qualification.

Zimbabwe will face Kenya in Polokwane, South Africa, next Friday, before heading to Yaoundé to take on Cameroon just four days later. With an unbeaten record so far under Nees, the Warriors are on the verge of securing a spot in next year's Afcon finals in Morocco.

Nees has named a strong squad for the qualifiers, largely retaining players who have featured in previous matches. The only changes from the team that faced Namibia include the return of Denmark-based defender Munashe Garananga, who missed the Namibia clashes due to injury. Simba Bhora's Tymon Machope, who recently helped his team secure the league title, has also been rewarded with a call-up for his impressive performances this season.

However, there are some notable absences from the squad. Defender Brendan Galloway remains sidelined due to injury, while FC Platinum's Brian Banda and Derby County's Tawanda Chirewa have been omitted as they continue their recovery.

Zimbabwe currently sit second in Group J with eight points and only need to avoid defeat against Kenya to secure their place in next year's finals. If they falter against the Harambee Stars, they will need to overcome group leaders Cameroon in Yaoundé to confirm their qualification.

Kenya, who have four points, are still in the race but must win both of their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia to have a chance of reaching the Afcon finals. Namibia, with zero points, are already eliminated from contention.

With the stakes high, all eyes will be on Kadewere and the rest of the Warriors as they look to secure the crucial points needed for their journey to Morocco.

Warriors squad

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)