Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
WARRIORS coach Michael Nees has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, boldly declaring that Zimbabwe will not be “tourists” at the continental showpiece.
Speaking after Friday’s goalless stalemate against South Africa in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, Nees said his charges are gunning for history — a place in the knockout stages for the very first time.
“I want to say it again — we don’t want to go to Morocco and be tourists there,” said Nees. “We want to be there on New Year’s Eve, because the second round starts in the New Year. That is our ambition, our target, and we’re working towards that.”
The German tactician, who took charge of the Warriors earlier this year, admitted that the journey has had its fair share of ups and downs but remains confident the team is on the right track.
“It’s not always a smooth ride. There are little ups and downs, but when you look at the long run, there is hope,” he said.
Zimbabwe have been drawn into a tricky Group B alongside heavyweights Egypt, South Africa, and Angola.
The Warriors will open their campaign against Egypt on 22 December at the Grand Stade d’Agadir before clashing with Angola on Boxing Day (26 December) at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. They will then wrap up their group fixtures with a mouth-watering showdown against Bafana Bafana on 29 December at the same venue.
For Nees, the draw is not a cause for fear but a call to arms.
“We respect every opponent, but we don’t fear anyone. We’ve shown we can match strong teams — now it’s about turning that into results,” he said.
With a clear mission and renewed confidence, the Warriors’ Moroccan dream is simple, stay till the New Year and make history.
