Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
WARRIORS coach Michael Nees says Zimbabwe’s remaining 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers will now serve as preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) set for December in Morocco.
Zimbabwe’s World Cup dreams were crushed last Friday night after a 1-0 defeat to Benin in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
With three Group C games still to play, Nees has turned his attention to building a formidable side for Afcon, where Zimbabwe will battle Egypt, South Africa and Angola in Group B.
Speaking to Zifa Media ahead of Tuesday’s clash against Rwanda at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, Nees outlined his new strategy.
“It’s now a project towards the Afcon finals. At the same time, we need to be fair competitors for the other teams still fighting for qualification. We can’t be accused of not taking these matches seriously. We want to win and get into a winning mood heading into Afcon,” he said.
The German mentor also hinted at testing fresh talent in the coming fixtures.
“We will also try out a few new players. Of course, we gave others a chance earlier, and while these are World Cup qualifiers we want to win, we also need to show a different face in the coming games,” added Nees.
The Warriors will now be looking to restore pride and build momentum, with fans eager to see a competitive side ready to challenge the continent’s giants in Morocco.
