Zimbabwe Warriors AFCON qualifying campaign

The Zimbabwe national football team, the Warriors, has faced a combination of roster challenges and logistical milestones during their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Initially, the team dealt with significant injury setbacks involving key players. Forward Tino Kadewere sustained an undisclosed injury in Greece, while defender Isaac Mabaya suffered a groin injury, adding to the existing injury concerns regarding Jordan Zemura. These issues limited the options available to head coach Ramon Catala prior to matches against Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Following a 3-2 victory over Sierra Leone in Morocco, the team transitioned to hosting matches on home soil. For the first time since 2021, the Warriors are able to play at the National Sports Stadium in Harare after renovations allowed the venue to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards. Zimbabwe Football Association president Nqobile Magwizi welcomed the return to domestic fixtures, noting that the team had previously been forced to host international matches in foreign venues, primarily in South Africa.

Marking this return to Harare, Zimbabwe hosted the Democratic Republic of Congo in a Group E encounter. The match ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Warriors. Yoane Wissa and Samuel Moutoussamy scored for the Leopards, while Marshall Munetsi scored for Zimbabwe in stoppage time. Wissa opened the scoring in the 30th minute after capitalizing on a mistake by Zimbabwe goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, before assisting Moutoussamy to double the lead just before halftime. Following the result, DR Congo sits at the top of Group E with six points, while Zimbabwe remains in second place with three points. Head coach Roman Catala attributed the loss to limited preparation time, noting that the Congolese side has benefited from playing together for several years.