Having collected only two points from their Group C rivals, Zimbabwe has announced its squad for the remaining World Cup qualifiers.
The Warriors will first face Benin on the 20th of this month, followed by a match against Nigeria on March 25.
Warriors captain Marvelous Nakamba will be unavailable for these encounters due to injury. His replacement in the squad is Richard Hachiro, a defensive midfielder from Ngezi Platinum Stars.
One aspect that might work in Zimbabwe’s favor is the competitive balance in the group—there is no dominant team pulling away.
Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin have each accumulated seven points from four matches, sharing the top spot. However, Zimbabwe might have to worry about Nigeria’s potential to bounce back, which could negatively impact their qualification hopes.
Head coach Michael Nees initially selected six players from Scottland FC for his squad but did not include Richard Hachiro.
However, after an outstanding performance in Ngezi Platinum Stars’ 1-0 victory over Scottland FC at Rufaro Stadium last Friday, fans voiced their strong support for his inclusion in the national team. Eventually, Hachiro was called up as a replacement for Marvelous Nakamba.
Zimbabwe Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers:
- Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants)
- Marley Tavaziva (Brentford)
- Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC)
Defenders:
- Jordan Zemura (Udinese)
- Divine Lunga (Sundowns)
- Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC)
- Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen)
- Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora)
- Peter Muduhwa (Scottland)
- Godknows Murwira (Scottland)
- Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos)
Midfielders:
- Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims)
- Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City)
- Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town)
- Mthokozisi Msebe (Scottland)
- Khama Billiat (Scottland)
- Knowledge Musona (Al-Okhdood)
- Tawanda Chirewa (Huddersfield Town)
Forwards:
- Prince Dube (Young Africans)
- Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell)
- Terrence Dzvukamanja (Supersport United)