By Vincent Obi
Harare, May 31, 2024 – Zimbabwe’s dream of competing at a FIFA World Cup finals continues, with the 2026 edition African qualifiers set to resume next week.
The Warriors face Lesotho on Friday, 7 June in Johannesburg, before taking on South Africa on Tuesday, 11 June, in Bloemfontein.
With five TotalEnergies CAF AFCON appearances, the Warriors are yet to compete at the global showpiece which has now been expanded to 48 nations, with nine places guaranteed for Africa plus a play-off position.
Drawn in a tough Group C that also consists of African giants, Nigeria, surprise group leaders, Rwanda, and Benin, the Zimbabweans have had a decent start to their campaign with a goalless draw against Liberia and holding the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw.
With two important fixtures on the cards for the Warriors next week, caretaker coach, Jairos Tapera, has named a strong squad of 23 which is headlined by a number of European-based players such as Marshal Munetsi, Tawanda Chiwera, Marvelous Nakamba, Brendan Galloway and 20-year-old left back, Shane Maroodza
