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Zimbabwe’s national football team, the Warriors, has secured a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking their sixth qualification for the prestigious continental tournament.
A 1-1 draw against Kenya on Friday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, was enough to guarantee Zimbabwe’s place alongside Cameroon from Group J.
Tawanda Maswanhise, making his debut for the Warriors, delivered a memorable performance by scoring the opening goal in the 29th minute. The forward, who plays for Motherwell, received a precise pass from Khama Billiat and calmly slotted the ball into the far corner of the net. The goal provided a crucial lead for Zimbabwe, who only needed a draw to qualify.
Thousands of Zimbabwean fans living in South Africa turned out to cheer on the team, creating an electrifying atmosphere that spurred the players. Kenya, desperate to keep their qualification hopes alive, came out strongly in the second half.
They capitalized on a defensive lapse by Gerald Takwara in the 52nd minute. Takwara failed to clear a cross effectively, and goalkeeper Washington Arubi’s attempt to punch the ball away fell short.
Jonah Ayunga seized the opportunity, scoring from close range to level the match. The equalizer added tension to the game as both teams sought a decisive goal. Despite the setback, Zimbabwe managed to hold their ground.
Coach Michael Nees made adjustments, including replacing Takwara, who appeared injured after the defensive error, with Godknows Murwira. Arubi redeemed himself with a series of crucial saves, including a spectacular stop in the 83rd minute to deny Kenya’s Michael Olunga from completing a potential match-winning brace.
The draw means Zimbabwe’s final Group J match against Cameroon on Tuesday will be a formality, with both teams already qualified.
Zimbabwe is currently second in the group with nine points, behind leaders Cameroon, who have 11. Kenya’s campaign ends with six points, while Namibia finishes at the bottom with a single point.
Zimbabwe’s qualification is particularly impressive given the challenges the team faces. Due to a FIFA ban on local stadiums, the Warriors have been forced to play their home matches outside the country. Despite this, the support from Zimbabwean fans in Polokwane created a sense of home advantage, boosting the team’s morale.
