Bouyant Warriors Face Namibia

Innocent Kurira
THE Warriors are confident of an improved performance against Namibia at Orlando Stadium today, following their 1-0 win in the first of the back-to-back Afcon qualifying matches.
Zimbabwe secured three crucial points courtesy of Khama Billiat’s penalty conversion, moving them to second in Group J.
The Warriors are second with five points, Kenya are on four points while Namibia are yet to win a game and are bottom with zero points. Cameroon leads the group with seven points.
Warriors vice-captain Marshall Munetsi said: “Getting a win was crucial. We have been progressing well, and we knew we needed to win the first game by all means. Namibia tried to play mind games, but we were happy with the three points.”
Munetsi added: “The confidence was already there after our results in Uganda. We know Kenya and Cameroon will cancel each other out. Namibia aren’t an easy pushover, but we need six points from these two games.”
Munetsi emphasized the importance of fan support: “Our fans can show their support by coming to the stadium. We’d love to see nice faces cheering us on.”
Goalkeeper Washington Arubi is also confident: “We didn’t play well, but we got three points away from home. We’re analysing where we can improve and will manage the game to ensure we don’t concede.”
Morocco hosts the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, having previously hosted in 1988.
Morocco last hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1988, a tournament that saw just eight teams compete, with Cameroon emerging victorious after a hard-fought final against Nigeria.
Fast forward to 2025, and the tournament has expanded significantly, with 24 teams set to compete, highlighting the growth and development of African football over the past three decades.
Morocco was confirmed as the host nation on September 27, 2023, a decision that has been met with widespread enthusiasm.
The Atlas Lions, who automatically qualify as the host nation, are eager to showcase their country’s readiness to host a competition of this magnitude, especially after their historic performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.