Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
JORDAN Zemura is disappointed to miss the opening 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone and DRC due to injury.
The 26-year-old picked a fresh injury at the weekend during an English Championship clash between Watford and Stoke City.
Zemura, who also missed the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco due to a muscular problem, was stretchered off after only 42 minutes of the Championship match, as Watford went on to lose 1-2 at Vicarage Road.
The Zimbabwe international was hurt by the injury misfortune, which also haunted him just before the March window when the Warriors played the Four Nations tournament in Botswana.
“Thought I found that old me again, unfortunately not, see you guys soon. God help me,” Zemura wrote on a social media post. However, Watford have not given an update on the nature and extent of the injury.
But with time running out for the Warriors, who are scheduled to kickstart their 2027 AFCON Group E qualification campaign against Sierra Leone on September 24, Zimbabwe’s new head coach Ramon Catala could not take any chances. Former Warriors captain Knowledge Musona was also left out because of a hamstring injury he picked up two weeks ago while featuring for domestic champions Scottland in a league match against FC Platinum.
Scottland coach Norman Mapeza painted a gloomy picture for the veteran forward, who has also missed their two-legged CAF Champions League preliminary round tie victory over Eswatini side Nsingizini Hotspurs.
“So, the scan reveals that he’s going to be out for the next two weeks. That’s the situation with Knowledge,” Mapeza said. The Warriors are set to begin their quest for a place at the continental finals against Sierra Leone on September 24 at the Ben M’Hamed Stadium in El Jadida, Morocco.
The West Africans have settled for a neutral venue in Morocco due to the unavailability of a CAF-approved stadium in their country.
Zimbabwe have since overcome the stadium challenge following the recent homologation of the National Sports Stadium, where they will host the DRC in an evening kick-off on September 28.
Catala has kept faith in most of the tried-and-tested player, led by Marvelous Nakamba, who is now playing in Greece for Panetokilos.
Vice-captain Marshall Munetsi is also part of the squad along with Tawanda Maswanhise, Bill Antonio, Tawanda Maswanhise and Tawanda Chirewa. Catala also included Thando Ngwenya who has started the recent campaign in South Africa on a flying note after bagging seven goals so far to lead the Golden Boot race.
Tino Kadewere, now based in Greece, also got a call up along with Bill Antonio.
Scottland provided the bulk of local players, with goalkeeper Nelson Chadya, defenders Peter Muduhwa, Emmanuel Jalai, Kelvin Moyo and midfielder Abubakar Moffat set to play a part in the Warriors’ assignments.
But there was no place for Mongameli Tshuma, who has been impressive in Highlanders colours, as well as Golden Boot race pace setter Washington Navaya of Hardrock.
Warriors squad:
Goalkeepers:
Elvis Chipeze — Magesi
Martin Mapisa — Hardrock
Nelson Chadya — Scottland
Defenders:
Divine Lunga — Mamelodi Sundowns
Munashe Garananga — Lyngby BK
Corbin Mthunzi — Ipswich Town
Shane Maroodza — Sarajevo
Sean Fusire — Sheffield Wednesday
Emmanuel Jalai — Scottland
Peter Muduhwa — Scottland
Kevin Moyo — Scottland
Isaac Mabaya — Liverpool
Midfielders:
Marshall Munetsi — Wolves
Andy Rinomhota — Reading F.C
Abubakar Moffat — Scottland
Marvellous Nakamba — Panetokilos
Prosper Padera — SJK Seinajoki
Forwards:
Thando Ngwenya — Amazulu
Tawanda Chirewa — Wolves
Bill Antonio — KV Mechelen
Daniel Msendami — Marumo Gallants
Tawanda Maswanhise — Motherwell
Prince Dube — Hardrock
Tino Kadewere — Aris Salonica
