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Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
Warriors coach, Michael Nees, says Zimbabwe has been placed in a well-balanced and competitive group for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), set to take place later this year in Morocco.
The tournament will run from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.
The Warriors, now under the guidance of German coach Nees, are set to make their return to the grand stage after missing the previous edition, held in Côte d’Ivoire, due to a Fifa suspension.
In the draw conducted in Rabat, Morocco, the Warriors were placed in a competitive group alongside South Africa, Angola and Egypt. Despite Zimbabwe being ranked in Pot Four, Nees considers the draw to be fair.
The Warriors avoided the host nation, Morocco, who were drawn in a group alongside Mali, Zambia and Comoros.
Nees noted the familiarity among the teams, with Zimbabwe set to face two rivals from the Cosafa region.
“Three teams from Cosafa. No secrets here — the teams know each other very well. A derby against rivals Bafana Bafana again, and a clash with a skilful Angola side, who have a different playing style. Not to mention North African powerhouses Egypt, record champions and one of the tournament favourites, who will definitely come to Morocco with all their stars and their best team. In my opinion, it’s a very balanced, strong and competitive group,” said Nees.
Nees hopes the Warriors will progress beyond the group stages.
“Our first match will be against Egypt in Agadir, followed by our second game against Angola, and the final group match against Bafana Bafana, with both of those matches in Marrakesh, where we will be based for the tournament. We need to rise to the challenge right from the start, but with good preparation, we can meet the challenge.
“As with any other team, we aim to reach the second round. We respect our opponents, but we have strong self-belief in our own abilities to achieve this objective. This tournament will set new standards for Afcon, I am sure, and the conditions and facilities will be fair and equal for all teams,” said Nees.
Meanwhile, Egypt’s coach, Hossan Hassan, told a press gathering at the draw that the Pharaohs would be determined to extend their record, with the support of world-class players such as Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s new signing, Omar Marmoush.
“I would like to wish all the teams the best of luck in this big competition. As the Egyptian team, we are proud because we have won the title seven times. Mohamed Salah — I am lucky as a coach to have him.
He is one of the best players in the world.
“Egypt has always produced great talent, like Omar Marmoush. I am very happy, as a coach, to have such gifted players. Salah and Marmoush will be key positive elements for the Egypt team,” said Hassan. —@innocentskizoe
