Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ERROR-PRONE goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze has been dropped from Zimbabwe’s provisional squad for next month’s back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea.
Warriors coach Ramon Catala has left out the Magesi goalkeeper following a difficult start to Zimbabwe’s qualifying campaign, although the exact reasons for his omission remain unclear.
Chipezeze was at fault when the Warriors suffered a 1-2 defeat to DR Congo at the National Sports Stadium in their previous qualifier.
The former Chicken Inn goalkeeper had also conceded twice in Zimbabwe’s opening match, a 3-2 comeback victory over Sierra Leone in Morocco.
Catala has named a 32-man provisional squad for the two decisive encounters, with veteran striker and former captain Knowledge Musona headlining the selection after making another sensational return to the national team.
Musona’s comeback comes just hours after he was appointed player assistant coach at Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Scottland.
Hardrock striker Prince Dube has also returned to the fold after missing the defeat to DR Congo through injury, while his club teammate Tinotenda Muringai has earned a place in the Warriors set-up.
Captain Marvelous Nakamba will once again lead the side as Zimbabwe seek to strengthen their position in the qualifying race.
The squad features 14 forwards, including Castle Lager Premier Soccer League leading scorer Washington Navaya of Hardrock, Dynamos forward Leeroy Mavhunga and CAPS United striker Ishmael Wadi.
A total of 15 locally based players have been included in the provisional squad, reflecting a blend of domestic talent and foreign-based professionals.
Zimbabwe will face Equatorial Guinea in Cameroon on November 12 before hosting the same opponents at the National Sports Stadium four days later.
The Warriors have collected three points from their opening two matches and trail Group leaders DR Congo by the same margin.
With qualification hopes still firmly alive, Catala’s men will be targeting at least four points from the two encounters to boost their chances of reaching the finals, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Warriors provisional squad
Goalkeepers
Nelson Chadya (Scottland), Martin Mapisa (Hardrock), Future Sibanda (ZPC Kariba)
Defenders
Jordan Zemura (Watford), Shane Marodza (Sarajevo), Kelvin Moyo (Scottland), Peter Muduhwa (Scottland), Emmanuel Jalai (Scottland), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday), Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town), Tinotenda Muringai (Hardrock)
Midfielders
Marvelous Nakamba (Panetolikos), Marshal Munetsi (Wolves), Andy Rinomhota (Reading), Jonah Fabisch (Golden Arrows), Abubakar Moffat (Scottland), Mtokhozisi Msebe (Scottland), Prosper Padera (SK Seinajoki)
Forwards
Knowledge Musona (Scottland), Walter Musona (Scottland), Mongameli Tshuma (Highlanders), Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen), Tawanda Chirewa (Wolves), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Tino Kadewere (Aris), Thando Ngwenya (Amazulu), Prince Dube (Hardrock), Washington Navaya (Hardrock), Junior Zindoga (TS Galaxy), Leeroy Mavhunga (Dynamos), Ishmael Wadi (CAPS United), Daniel Musendami (Marumo Gallants)
