Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE coach Ramon Catala faces one of his toughest selection puzzles since taking charge of the Warriors after the injury-enforced absence of key defender Munashe Garananga ahead of the crucial back-to-back 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea.
Garananga, who recently underwent knee surgery, is set to spend a lengthy spell on the sidelines, leaving a significant void in a defence that has already shown vulnerability during the opening two rounds of the qualifying campaign.
The 25-year-old’s absence is a major blow given his growing influence at the heart of the Warriors backline.
The Denmark-based defender had become one of the Warriors’ most dependable defensive options because of his physical presence, aerial strength and composure in possession.
But the injury comes at a critical stage for Zimbabwe, whose qualification hopes are not yet secured following a mixed start to Group E action.
Catala, however, remains confident that the return of several experienced campaigners can offset the loss.
“It’s sad Garananga got injured,” he told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“But we have called other players like Tino Kadewere, Jordan Zemura, Jona Fabisch and Knowledge Musona who were injured last time and they can help us to be more competitive.
“But they (Equatorial Guinea) also have a good team and it will be two difficult games.”
While Kadewere, Zemura, Fabisch and Musona are not direct replacements for Garananga in defence, their return strengthens the spine of the team and gives Catala additional quality across several departments.
Zemura’s availability is particularly important. The Watford full-back offers experience, pace and tactical discipline, while his versatility allows Catala to adjust between a back four and a back three depending on the opposition.
The coach is also likely to look at several centre-back options within the provisional squad to fill the vacancy left by Garananga.
The challenge will be finding a combination capable of coping with Equatorial Guinea’s pace and physical presence while maintaining defensive organisation.
Equatorial Guinea will host the first leg at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé, Cameroon on November 12, before the return fixture four days later at the National Sports Stadium.
Catala has consistently emphasised continuity since taking over the national team and the latest call-up reflects that philosophy.
Rather than making wholesale changes after the home defeat to DR Congo, the Spaniard appears determined to reinforce the squad with experienced players returning from injury while retaining faith in the core group that secured victory over Sierra Leone in the group opener.
The presence of senior figures such as Musona could prove invaluable. The former captain brings leadership and calmness during pressure situations, qualities that become increasingly important in tightly contested qualification campaigns.
“We have a young team and it is always good to have four or five players who add a little experience to the team. It is always good to have experienced players to help the team in difficult situations,” said Catala.
The Warriors opened their Group E campaign with an encouraging 3-2 away victory over Sierra Leone before suffering a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to DR Congo. With two matches against Equatorial Guinea scheduled within four days, Catala knows maximum points could transform Zimbabwe’s qualification prospects while anything less would leave the Warriors struggling to keep pace with the group’s frontrunners.
DR Congo lead the group with six points, followed by Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea who are tied on three points apiece, while Sierra Leone are yet to pick a point.
After two rounds, the group remains finely balanced, but Zimbabwe’s defeat to DR Congo means they cannot afford to surrender further ground.
Two victories over Equatorial Guinea would put the Warriors firmly back in contention and potentially propel them into one of the qualification positions depending on results elsewhere in the group.
Four points from the two matches would keep the campaign alive, although Zimbabwe would then likely need positive results in the remaining fixtures against Sierra Leone and DR Congo.
Anything less than four points would significantly complicate the qualification equation and leave Catala’s men requiring favours from other teams.
Despite the challenge, Catala is embracing the opportunity.
“We are very excited to play two back-to-back games against Equatorial Guinea.
“Well, we have a lot of information about them because we have seen them play two games before. We know how they play and they also know how we play.
“But of course, playing back-to-back will give us also more information from the first match before we face the second one.
“And we expect our game plan to go well, and if it goes well, we will modify the second one to try to get an advantage at home,” said Catala.
The Warriors coach is drawing confidence from the unwavering backing of the supporters and hopes the team can repay that faith in the coming days.
“We feel very supported. When we played against DR Congo, it was a shame we couldn’t give them a good result, and we hope we can do it now,” said Catala.
