Gilbert Munetsi
Zim Now Writer
With a fresh leadership team at the helm and 10 months to prepare, Zimbabwe's Warriors are bracing for a challenging journey in their quest for the TotalEnergy African Cup of Nations glory.
The draw for the prestigious tournament, held last night at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, placed the Warriors in Group B, alongside formidable opponents Egypt, South Africa, and Angola.
This draw marks a stern test for Zimbabwe, as they seek to rewrite their AFCON story. Historically, the Warriors have struggled to make a deep impact in the tournament. Despite qualifying five times - including a streak of three consecutive appearances from 2017 to 2021 - they have never advanced beyond the group stages.
Their best performances have been characterized by flashes of brilliance, such as their spirited displays in 2004 and 2006, but consistency has often eluded them.
Zimbabwe’s group is anything but forgiving. Egypt, seven-time champions, bring a legacy of dominance, while South Africa, who claimed bronze in the last edition, have shown steady improvement. Angola, a familiar Southern African rival, have a history of frustrating the Warriors, adding further intrigue to the clash.
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations will take place from December 21 2025 to January 18, 2026 across six Moroccan cities and nine venues, marking Morocco's first time hosting since 1988. The draw featured 24 teams divided into six groups, with the top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advancing to the knockout stages.
For Zimbabwe, this tournament represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Under the guidance of newly-elected ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi, the Warriors are determined to overcome their underdog status and compete fiercely. While Egypt will undoubtedly be the favorites in Group B, Zimbabwe will look to capitalize on their familiarity with Southern African opponents South Africa and Angola.
If the Warriors can draw inspiration from their storied qualification campaigns and display tactical discipline, they stand a chance to make history by progressing beyond the group stage for the first time. With a passionate fan base behind them and a renewed sense of purpose, Zimbabwe will aim to defy the odds and make a mark in Morocco.
The road ahead is steep, but as the Warriors have shown in the past, they thrive on resilience and unpredictability. Can they pull off a surprise in Group B and carve their place in AFCON history? The journey begins in December.
AFCON Morocco 2025 – Group Draws:
Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
Group F: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
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