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Zimbabwe Warriors close to Afcon qualification
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Zimbabwe's national football team coach, Michael Nees, is gearing up for a crucial match against Kenya at Peter Mokoba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, next Friday, with the hope of securing qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) set to take place in Morocco.
In a significant move towards this goal, Nees has named his squad for the upcoming qualifiers, including the all-important clash against Kenya and their final fixture against Morocco. The 2025 Afcon tournament is scheduled to kick off on December 21, 2025, with the final set for January 18, 2026.
Zimbabwe, currently sitting in second place with eight points, four ahead of Kenya, will be looking to extend their lead with a win in the match. The top two teams in the four-team group qualify, and a victory over Kenya would see Zimbabwe secure their spot, leaving them with only a final match against Cameroon in Yaoundé to contend with.
"Beating Kenya would give us a secure path to qualification," Nees said. "We have a great opportunity ahead of us, and our focus is on performing well, maintaining discipline, and sealing that spot in Morocco."
The Warriors have had a mixed campaign in the qualifiers, with two draws and two wins from four matches so far. Nees inherited a team struggling with consistency and morale but has revitalized the squad, ensuring they are now on the brink of making their Afcon return.
Kenya, sitting at the bottom of the table with four points, will be desperate for a win to keep their hopes alive, but Nees is confident in his squad's ability to overcome the challenge. Cameroon leads the group with 10 points, while Namibia has yet to register a point.
The Zimbabwean team's resurgence under Nees has brought renewed hope to the Warriors, who had previously struggled both in the Afcon qualifiers and the World Cup campaign. With the pressure mounting ahead of Friday's clash, the Warriors are determined to make the most of their home advantage in Polokwane.
"We have a job to finish, and the boys are ready," Nees added. "This is our moment to qualify and make our country proud."
The upcoming match against Kenya will be a pivotal moment in Zimbabwe's bid for Afcon qualification, and the Warriors will be hoping to deliver a performance worthy of their aspirations.
In a significant move towards this goal, Nees has named his squad for the upcoming qualifiers, including the all-important clash against Kenya and their final fixture against Morocco. The 2025 Afcon tournament is scheduled to kick off on December 21, 2025, with the final set for January 18, 2026.
Zimbabwe, currently sitting in second place with eight points, four ahead of Kenya, will be looking to extend their lead with a win in the match. The top two teams in the four-team group qualify, and a victory over Kenya would see Zimbabwe secure their spot, leaving them with only a final match against Cameroon in Yaoundé to contend with.
"Beating Kenya would give us a secure path to qualification," Nees said. "We have a great opportunity ahead of us, and our focus is on performing well, maintaining discipline, and sealing that spot in Morocco."
The Warriors have had a mixed campaign in the qualifiers, with two draws and two wins from four matches so far. Nees inherited a team struggling with consistency and morale but has revitalized the squad, ensuring they are now on the brink of making their Afcon return.
Kenya, sitting at the bottom of the table with four points, will be desperate for a win to keep their hopes alive, but Nees is confident in his squad's ability to overcome the challenge. Cameroon leads the group with 10 points, while Namibia has yet to register a point.
The Zimbabwean team's resurgence under Nees has brought renewed hope to the Warriors, who had previously struggled both in the Afcon qualifiers and the World Cup campaign. With the pressure mounting ahead of Friday's clash, the Warriors are determined to make the most of their home advantage in Polokwane.
"We have a job to finish, and the boys are ready," Nees added. "This is our moment to qualify and make our country proud."
The upcoming match against Kenya will be a pivotal moment in Zimbabwe's bid for Afcon qualification, and the Warriors will be hoping to deliver a performance worthy of their aspirations.
Source - online
