. . . fans urge midfield, attack enhancements

Innocent Kurira , Sports Reporter

ZIMBABWEANS have hailed the Warriors’ qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) after a 1-1 draw against Kenya at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in South Africa on Friday evening.

Tawanda Maswanhise’s 32nd minute goal, assisted by Khama Billiat, gave Zimbabwe the lead before Jonah Ayunga equalised for Kenya. The result sealed the Warriors’ spot in the Total Energies Caf Afcon finals with a game to spare.

Fans have welcomed the qualification, but some have identified areas for improvement.

Tawanda Maswanhise

Themba Siziba emphasised the need to strengthen midfield combinations, while Jackson concurred, stressing the importance of midfield reinforcement.

Sineke Maseko called for thorough preparations, including friendly matches to refine strategies and grasp the coach’s philosophy.
Allen Ndlovu advocated for an improvement in attack, suggesting Knowledge Musona’s return could provide the necessary killer instinct. Siziba said: “We qualified, yes, but I feel we still need to work on our midfield combinations. Our midfield looked a bit tired especially after Kenya scored and that is something we need to work on going into the finals. Another fan who identified himself as Jackson concurred with Siziba:

“We are really pleased to have won but I have a problem with our midfield. I don’t think it played well.”
Maseko said the team now needs to adequately prepare for the competition.

“The team has qualified, and now preparations must be of great importance. We need to play as many friendly matches as we can so that we can try out our combinations and also get the players to understand the coach’s philosophy better,” said Maseko.

Khama Billiat

Ndlovu said the team needs to improve its strikeforce.
“I think we need to sharpen in front of goal. I am one person who feels Knowledge Musona should be convinced to come back, he has the killer instinct that is lacking for us at the front,” said Ndlovu.

Nineteen teams have secured their places at the 2025 Afcon in Morocco.
Zambia, Mali, Zimbabwe, and Comoros joined Nigeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon on Friday.
The line up features established Afcon contenders and emerging forces. Host nation Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, Egypt and title holders Cote d’Ivoire will be joined by returning teams like DR Congo, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Uganda and Gabon.

Knowledge Musona

The qualification phase concludes with Match Day Six next week, with remaining teams competing for the final slots to complete the 24-nation line-up for Morocco 2025.
Anticipation builds as top African teams and emerging challengers vie for the last spots.

The 19 countries qualified for TotalEnergies Afcon 2025 Morocco, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Algeria, DR Congo, Senegal, Egypt, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda, South Africa, Gabon, Tunisia, Nigeria, Zambia, Mali, Zimbabwe and Comoros.