The Zimbabwe Under-23 side, the Young Warriors, take on Mali in the second-round, first leg of the 2027 Under-23 AFCON qualifiers, a crucial tie that also serves as the pathway to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Zimbabwe booked their spot in this round after sweeping past Mauritius 6–1 on aggregate between September and October 2026, while Mali received a bye as one of the seeded nations.
The victor of this two-legged showdown advances to the final qualifying round in March 2027, where a berth at the AFCON finals in Egypt awaits.
The Young Warriors will be led by assistant coach Wilson Mutekede, with head coach Marc Sanchez currently away on national duty with the senior team in Cameroon.
Kick off is 3pm at National Sport Stadium Harare.
Six minutes played, Zimbabwean goalkeeper Tatenda Chikowero is the first to get busy, forced to make a save to deny Hamidou Makalou.
Veronica Gwaze
Mali find an opener in the eighth minute through Aboubacar Sidibe who cut in via the left wing before unleashing a strike at close range beating Chikowero
Veronica Gwaze
13 minutes played
Mali are becoming dangerous as they launch successive threats going forward. However, the Zimbabwean defensive department has been equal to the task.
Veronica Gwaze
