Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
AHEAD of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, which begin this Sunday, the Zimbabwe Warriors have been assured of a minimum US$500 000 in prize money as the continent’s biggest football showpiece gets underway.
The Confederation of African Football has confirmed a total prize pool of US$32 million for the tournament, with every participating nation guaranteed at least half a million dollars before a ball is kicked.
The Marvelous Nakamba captained Warriors will bank US$500 000 for finishing fourth in their group, with the figures rising sharply as the competition progresses.
A third place finish in the group phase would lift Zimbabwe’s earnings to US$700 000, while a spot in the round of 16 comes with a US$800 000 reward. That would be historic territory for the Warriors, who have never gone beyond the group stages since making their Afcon debut in Tunisia in 2004.
Teams that reach the quarter finals will receive US$1,3 million each, while semi finalists are set to pocket US$2,5 million per team. The champions will walk away with US$7 million, with the losing finalists earning US$4 million.
Away from the numbers and prize charts, the Warriors’ Afcon build-up has also carried a personal milestone for 27-year-old performance analyst James Makoni, who has earned another call-up to the national team technical set up.
Makoni says representing Zimbabwe at this level remains the driving force behind his work.
“It’s a privilege to be called up and represent Zimbabwe. From the first Afcon qualifier all the way to Morocco, it has always been my ambition to work at the highest level of African football. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity, and I want to thank the club (Gulf United in the UAE) for their support throughout my journey,” Makoni told Zifa media.
His inclusion adds another layer to a Warriors campaign shaped by detail, preparation, and a growing embrace of modern football methods.
In an era where data plays a central role in elite performance, national teams increasingly lean on analysts to sharpen decision making, improve match preparation, and gain marginal advantages. Zimbabwe are now moving firmly in that direction.
Before Makoni’s appointment during Baltemar Brito’s tenure, the Warriors reportedly operated without a full time professional performance analyst. Since then, Makoni has built a reputation for impact and precision in football analysis. Born in Zimbabwe, he has worked across different environments, including MK Dons juniors in the United Kingdom and Gulf United in the United Arab Emirates. His coaching journey began early, evolving alongside studies in data science and talent scouting.
His work has reportedly drawn interest from clubs such as Newcastle United and has contributed to Zimbabwe’s improved technical output in international competition.
As the Warriors settle into camp and fine-tune preparations for Morocco, the numbers on offer underline what is at stake, both competitively and financially, in a tournament that could redefine their Afcon story.
2025 Afcon prize money breakdown
Group stage fourth place
US$500 000
Group stage third place
US$700 000
Round of 16
US$800 000
Quarter-finalists
US$1,3 million
Semi-finalists
US$2,5 million
Runners-up
US$4 million
Winners
US$7 million
