Penalty-Saving Hero Ngwenya Breaks Into Final Warriors Squad

Highlanders goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya has earned a place in Zimbabwe’s final Warriors squad following an impressive performance against CAPS United on Sunday, during which he saved two penalties.

Ngwenya’s outstanding penalty-saving display caught the attention of Warriors head coach Ramon Catalá, who was in attendance at the match.

His heroics proved enough to secure him a place among the four goalkeepers selected for Zimbabwe’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Equatorial Guinea.

Catalá has since unveiled his final squad for the decisive Matchday Three and Matchday Four encounters, with the Warriors seeking to strengthen their position in the qualification race.

The two matches could prove pivotal in determining Zimbabwe’s chances of qualifying for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2027.

Equatorial Guinea will host the first leg on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm CAT, with the match being staged in Cameroon due to venue restrictions and the unsuitability of stadiums in Equatorial Guinea.

The Warriors will then return home for the reverse fixture on Monday, November 16, 2026, at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm CAT.

Ngwenya will compete for the starting goalkeeper's position alongside Martin Mapisa, Future Sibanda and Nelson Chadya.

Warriors' Final Squad

Goalkeepers: Martin Mapisa (Hardrock), Future Sibanda (ZPC Kariba), Nelson Chadya (Scotland), Aaron Ngwenya (Highlanders).

Defenders: Jordan Zemura (Watford), Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town), Tinotenda Muringai (Hardrock), Kelvin Moyo (Scotland), Peter Muduhwa (Scotland), Emmanuel Jalai (Scotland), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday), Shane Maroodza (Sarajevo).

Midfielders: Abubakar Moffat (Scotland), Mthokozisi Msebe (Scotland), Marshall Munetsi (Wolves), Andy Rinomhota (Reading), Jonah Fabisch (Golden Arrows), Marvelous Nakamba (Panetolikos).

Forwards: Tawanda Chirewa (Wolves), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants), Tinotenda Kadewere (Aris Salonica), Thando Ngwenya (Amazulu).