Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Warriors have enjoyed mixed fortunes at the 42,500 seater Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde, Cameroon.
It was at this arena where the Warriors, then under Norman Mapeza, recorded their only victory during the 2021 AFCON finals.
After losing their opening two fixtures against Senegal and Malawi, Zimbabwe regrouped in the last round fixture and beat Guinea 2-1 on January 18, 2022, courtesy of goals by Knowledge Musona and Kuda Mahachi.
Although the win was not enough to secure qualification to the knockout stage, as Zimbabwe finished bottom in Group B, it remains one of the most memorable Warriors victories on the international scene.
The Warriors returned to Yaounde on November 19, 2024, this time to face Cameroon in a 2025 AFCON qualifier.
It ended 2-1 in favour of the Indomitable Lions, who scored through Vincent Aboubakar and Georges N’koudou. Zimbabwe got their goal from Terrence Dzvukamanja.
Despite that defeat Zimbabwe still managed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON finals held in Morocco.
The Warriors will be back in this familiar territory once again, when they face Equatorial Guinea in a 2027 AFCON qualifier on November 12.
Equatorial Guinea no longer have a CAF certified stadium despite hosting the AFCON finals 11 years ago.
The confirmation of the venue ends speculation that the Nzalang Nacional had opted to host the Warriors in Harare to cut logistical costs.
This is because they also play Zimbabwe at the National Sports four days later.
Hosting Zimbabwe in Harare would have given the Warriors an advantage so the match has now been moved to a neutral venue in Cameroon.
ZIFA confirmed the times for the back-to back-clashes.
The first match will kick off at 6PM, with the reverse fixture set for the National Sports at 3PM
The Warriors head into the third round of qualifiers sitting second in Group E. Zimbabwe opened their campaign with a 3-2 victory over Sierra Leone in Morocco before suffering a 2-1 defeat to the DRC in Harare.
The back-to-back fixtures against Equatorial Guinea present Zimbabwe with an opportunity to collect valuable points as they push for qualification for the continental showpiece.
