NEES READY TO ROCK AND ROLL

Blessing Malinganiza

Zimpapers Sports Hub

WARRIORS coach Michael Nees believes his team can make a big impression at the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco where they have been drawn alongside Egypt, Angola and South Africa.

The tournament gets underway on December 21 with the Warriors set to be involved the following day when matches in Group B start.

The Warriors will face Egypt in their opening match in Agadir, followed by clashes against Angola and South Africa in Marrakech.

Nees, who has done a decent job since being appointed as the Warriors coach, acknowledged the familiarity of the opposition, especially South Africa and Angola.

“Three teams from COSAFA. No secrets here, the teams know each other very well,” he said.

“A derby against rivals Bafana Bafana again and a clash with a skilful Angola side, who have a different playing style.”

The German coach also recognised the challenge posed by North African powerhouse Egypt, who are the record champions and always start as one of the tournament favourites.

“Not to mention North African powerhouses Egypt, record champions and one of the tournament favourites, who will come to Morocco definitely with all their stars and their best team,” he said.

“It’s a very balanced, strong and competitive group.

“We need to be up to the challenge straight from the beginning but with good preparations, we can meet the challenge.”

It will be Nees’ first assignment as a national coach at the AFCON finals.

Nees emphasised the importance of self-belief and respecting their opponents while focusing on their objective of reaching the second round.

“As any other team, we want to go to the second round. We respect our opponents, but we have all self-belief in our own strength and skills to achieve this objective.

“The tournament will set new standards for AFCON, I am sure, and the conditions and facilities will be quite fair and equal for all the teams,” he said.