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Warriors secure 2025 Afcon ticket
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Zimbabwe 1 - 1 Kenya
Zimbabwe's Warriors clinched their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Kenya last night, sealing their qualification with a game to spare in Group J.
The result takes Zimbabwe to nine points, ensuring they cannot be overtaken by fourth-placed Kenya, who now have five points with just one game remaining. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the Warriors and their German coach Michael Nees, who becomes the second foreign coach to guide Zimbabwe to the AFCON finals.
A Historic Achievement
Despite playing all their "home" games away due to CAF's disqualification of local stadiums, Nees led Zimbabwe to two wins against Namibia and three draws—two against Kenya and one against Cameroon. This makes him the first Zimbabwean coach to secure AFCON qualification exclusively from matches played outside the country.
The Warriors celebrated their achievement with wild scenes in the dressing room, hoisting Nees in triumph. They also dedicated the victory to former goalkeeper George Chigova, who passed away a year ago and had been instrumental in Zimbabwe's 2018 COSAFA Cup victory at the same venue.
Match Highlights
Zimbabwe started nervously but found their rhythm midway through the first half. Young star Tawanda Maswanhise, making his first start, scored his debut goal for the Warriors in the 32nd minute after a pinpoint assist from Khama Billiat.
However, Kenya leveled the match in the 52nd minute through Jonah Ayunga, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by Gerald Takwara.
The Warriors remained composed under pressure, with defenders Teenage Hadebe and goalkeeper Donovan Bernard making crucial interventions. Zimbabwe had opportunities to extend their lead, with Maswanhise and Jordan Zemura testing Kenyan keeper Byrne Omondi, but the latter held firm to keep the score level.
Nees Delighted
Coach Nees expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance:
"I am impressed with how the game went, although it was a nervy start for us. The players gave their all, and I liked the way we conducted ourselves on the field. This result is a testament to their hard work, and we are thrilled to have secured qualification."
Looking Ahead
With a match against Cameroon on Tuesday, the Warriors have their sights set on finishing top of Group J. A win would see them overtake the Indomitable Lions, who are currently a point ahead in the standings.
A Nation's Pride
The Warriors' qualification is a source of pride for Zimbabwe, even as fans lament the absence of home games. This is the second time the team has secured AFCON qualification with a match to spare, having previously done so under Croatian coach Zdravko Logarušić for the 2021 edition.
The road to the 2025 AFCON has been challenging, but Zimbabwe's Warriors have risen to the occasion, delivering a campaign that unites and inspires their nation.
Afcon 2025 qualified teams
Morocco (hosts), Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Teams
Zimbabwe: Washington Arubi,Gerald Takwara (Godknows Murwira 56min), Jordan Zemura, Munashe Garan'anga, Marshal Munetsi, Andy Rinomhota, Marvelous Nakamba, Khama Billiat, Walter Musona (Divine Lunga 75min), Tawanda Maswanhise (Terrence Dzvukamanja 75min), Teenage Hadebe
Kenya: Byrne Amondi, Daniel Anyembe, Amos Obiero, Ronney Onyango, Michael Olunga,Eric Otieno, Anthony Agay, Jonestone Omorwa, Abud Abud, Joseph Okumu (Charles Momanyi 57min), Jonah Ayunga
Zimbabwe's Warriors clinched their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Kenya last night, sealing their qualification with a game to spare in Group J.
The result takes Zimbabwe to nine points, ensuring they cannot be overtaken by fourth-placed Kenya, who now have five points with just one game remaining. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the Warriors and their German coach Michael Nees, who becomes the second foreign coach to guide Zimbabwe to the AFCON finals.
A Historic Achievement
Despite playing all their "home" games away due to CAF's disqualification of local stadiums, Nees led Zimbabwe to two wins against Namibia and three draws—two against Kenya and one against Cameroon. This makes him the first Zimbabwean coach to secure AFCON qualification exclusively from matches played outside the country.
The Warriors celebrated their achievement with wild scenes in the dressing room, hoisting Nees in triumph. They also dedicated the victory to former goalkeeper George Chigova, who passed away a year ago and had been instrumental in Zimbabwe's 2018 COSAFA Cup victory at the same venue.
Match Highlights
Zimbabwe started nervously but found their rhythm midway through the first half. Young star Tawanda Maswanhise, making his first start, scored his debut goal for the Warriors in the 32nd minute after a pinpoint assist from Khama Billiat.
However, Kenya leveled the match in the 52nd minute through Jonah Ayunga, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by Gerald Takwara.
The Warriors remained composed under pressure, with defenders Teenage Hadebe and goalkeeper Donovan Bernard making crucial interventions. Zimbabwe had opportunities to extend their lead, with Maswanhise and Jordan Zemura testing Kenyan keeper Byrne Omondi, but the latter held firm to keep the score level.
Nees Delighted
Coach Nees expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance:
"I am impressed with how the game went, although it was a nervy start for us. The players gave their all, and I liked the way we conducted ourselves on the field. This result is a testament to their hard work, and we are thrilled to have secured qualification."
Looking Ahead
With a match against Cameroon on Tuesday, the Warriors have their sights set on finishing top of Group J. A win would see them overtake the Indomitable Lions, who are currently a point ahead in the standings.
A Nation's Pride
The Warriors' qualification is a source of pride for Zimbabwe, even as fans lament the absence of home games. This is the second time the team has secured AFCON qualification with a match to spare, having previously done so under Croatian coach Zdravko Logarušić for the 2021 edition.
The road to the 2025 AFCON has been challenging, but Zimbabwe's Warriors have risen to the occasion, delivering a campaign that unites and inspires their nation.
Afcon 2025 qualified teams
Morocco (hosts), Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Teams
Zimbabwe: Washington Arubi,Gerald Takwara (Godknows Murwira 56min), Jordan Zemura, Munashe Garan'anga, Marshal Munetsi, Andy Rinomhota, Marvelous Nakamba, Khama Billiat, Walter Musona (Divine Lunga 75min), Tawanda Maswanhise (Terrence Dzvukamanja 75min), Teenage Hadebe
Kenya: Byrne Amondi, Daniel Anyembe, Amos Obiero, Ronney Onyango, Michael Olunga,Eric Otieno, Anthony Agay, Jonestone Omorwa, Abud Abud, Joseph Okumu (Charles Momanyi 57min), Jonah Ayunga
Source - The Herald
