Zimbabwe’s head coach Michael Nees has announced a 23-man squad for World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria. Key players include Jordan Zemura and Marshall Munetsi, while captain Marvelous Nakamba is injured. The Warriors are currently last in Group C but remain hopeful for qualification, with matches set for March 20 and 25 against Benin and Nigeria, respectively.
Zimbabwe’s head coach, Michael Nees, has announced a 23-man squad for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Benin Republic. The team includes Udinese defender Jordan Zemura, Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Marshall Munetsi, and veteran forward Walter Musona, who returns to the international scene after retiring in 2022. Unfortunately, team captain Marvelous Nakamba is sidelined due to an injury.
The Warriors will start their campaign against Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on March 20, before heading to Nigeria for a match against the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on March 25. Currently, Zimbabwe is last in Group C with only two points from four matches. However, Nees is hopeful about their chances of qualification.
Nees remarked on the competitiveness of the group, emphasizing that, “It’s a very tight group; there are still six games to go and 18 points to play for.” He also mentioned that no team’s position is assured, stating that any squad, including the current leaders, could drop down as the competition progresses.
Looking forward to the match against Benin, Nees noted the tactical challenges posed by Gernot Rohr, their coach and a long-time friend. “Benin beat Nigeria, they played a draw against Nigeria, and they qualified for AFCON,” he stated, indicating the strength of their upcoming opponent.
Zimbabwe aims for a focused and determined approach to both games, with hopes of revitalizing their World Cup qualification efforts as they seek to secure crucial points on the road.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s head coach Michael Nees has supplied a 23-man squad for two pivotal World Cup qualifying matches against Benin and Nigeria. Although currently in a challenging position within Group C, the coach maintains optimism regarding their prospects. Acknowledging the strong performance of Benin under coach Gernot Rohr, Zimbabwe must deliver impressive results to keep their qualification dreams alive.
Original Source: businessday.ng
