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Zimbabwe Warriors discover opponents at 2025 Afcon
27 Jan 2025 at 21:58hrs | Views
Zimbabwe's Warriors have discovered their opponents for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
The Warriors, who finished as Group J runners-up behind Cameroon to secure their qualification, will be making their sixth appearance at the continental showpiece.
In the group stage draw, held on Monday, Zimbabwe was placed in Group B, alongside seven-time AFCON champions Egypt, as well as COSAFA rivals Angola and South Africa.
Head coach Michael Nees faces a challenging task as his charges will contend with Egypt, a football powerhouse that boasts a rich AFCON history, including a record number of tournament victories.
The match against South Africa, a team Zimbabwe has had a longstanding rivalry with, promises to be one of the most anticipated fixtures for fans in the region. Similarly, the clash with Angola adds another layer of intrigue, as COSAFA rivalries will take center stage in this competitive group.
Speaking after the draw, Nees expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete.
"We respect our opponents, but we are not intimidated. Egypt's experience, South Africa's dynamism, and Angola's tactical discipline will test us, but we have proven ourselves in the qualifiers. Our goal is to advance beyond the group stage and make Zimbabwe proud," said the German tactician.
Zimbabwe's last AFCON appearance came in 2021, where the Warriors failed to progress past the group stages. This time, the team will be determined to rewrite history and make a deeper run in the tournament.
Star players such as Marvelous Nakamba, and Tino Kadewere will be key to Zimbabwe's ambitions, alongside rising talents eager to make their mark on Africa's grandest stage.
Tournament Overview
The 2025 AFCON will bring together 24 of Africa's best teams, competing for continental glory in Morocco. Matches will take place in iconic cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech.
Zimbabwe's campaign begins with their opening match against Egypt, followed by clashes with Angola and South Africa.
Fans across the nation will be hoping for an inspired performance from the Warriors as they carry the hopes of a football-loving nation onto the Moroccan stage.
Group A
Morocco
Mali
Zambia
Comoros
Group B
Egypt
South Africa
Angola
Zimbabwe
Group C
Nigeria
Tunisia
Uganda
Tanzania
Group D
Senegal
DRC
Benin
Botswana
Group E
Algeria
Burkina Faso
Equatorial Guinea
Sudan
Group F
Ivory Coast
Cameroon
Gabon
Mozambique
The top two teams in each pool as well as the four best third-placed teams will qualify for the round of 16 at the AFCON 2025.
The Warriors, who finished as Group J runners-up behind Cameroon to secure their qualification, will be making their sixth appearance at the continental showpiece.
In the group stage draw, held on Monday, Zimbabwe was placed in Group B, alongside seven-time AFCON champions Egypt, as well as COSAFA rivals Angola and South Africa.
Head coach Michael Nees faces a challenging task as his charges will contend with Egypt, a football powerhouse that boasts a rich AFCON history, including a record number of tournament victories.
The match against South Africa, a team Zimbabwe has had a longstanding rivalry with, promises to be one of the most anticipated fixtures for fans in the region. Similarly, the clash with Angola adds another layer of intrigue, as COSAFA rivalries will take center stage in this competitive group.
Speaking after the draw, Nees expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete.
"We respect our opponents, but we are not intimidated. Egypt's experience, South Africa's dynamism, and Angola's tactical discipline will test us, but we have proven ourselves in the qualifiers. Our goal is to advance beyond the group stage and make Zimbabwe proud," said the German tactician.
Zimbabwe's last AFCON appearance came in 2021, where the Warriors failed to progress past the group stages. This time, the team will be determined to rewrite history and make a deeper run in the tournament.
Star players such as Marvelous Nakamba, and Tino Kadewere will be key to Zimbabwe's ambitions, alongside rising talents eager to make their mark on Africa's grandest stage.
Tournament Overview
Zimbabwe's campaign begins with their opening match against Egypt, followed by clashes with Angola and South Africa.
Fans across the nation will be hoping for an inspired performance from the Warriors as they carry the hopes of a football-loving nation onto the Moroccan stage.
Group A
Morocco
Mali
Zambia
Comoros
Group B
Egypt
South Africa
Angola
Zimbabwe
Group C
Nigeria
Tunisia
Uganda
Tanzania
Group D
Senegal
DRC
Benin
Botswana
Group E
Algeria
Burkina Faso
Equatorial Guinea
Sudan
Group F
Ivory Coast
Cameroon
Gabon
Mozambique
The top two teams in each pool as well as the four best third-placed teams will qualify for the round of 16 at the AFCON 2025.
Source - Soccer24
