Zimbabwe Warriors forward Knowledge Musona has stressed the importance of getting a positive result in the team’s opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations, warning that the first game could define their entire campaign.
Zimbabwe face seven-time champions Egypt national football team in their Group B opener at 22:00 on Sunday, 22 December, at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, Morocco.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Musona said the Warriors have done their homework on their opponents and are fully focused on starting strongly.
“We have been watching Egypt for quite some time, and it’s not our first time playing against them. We have been preparing very well for this first game,” said Musona.
The experienced forward believes that even a single result can shift the balance in a short tournament like AFCON.
“A win or a draw can change everything in a tournament. It’s important for us to collect points so we can put ourselves in a good position going into the next game.”
While acknowledging the quality and pedigree of Egypt, Musona insisted Zimbabwe will approach the encounter with belief rather than fear.
“It’s a tough game against one of the best teams in Africa, so we have to be careful. But we also have to try our best to get a result because we are not here to make up numbers; we are here to compete.”
Meanwhile, Warriors goalkeeper Washington Arubi has echoed that confidence, saying the squad believes it can finally break its group-stage barrier at the continental showpiece.
Zimbabwe are making their sixth AFCON appearance but have never progressed beyond the group phase. Their best finish came in 2006, when they ended the tournament in 13th place, while their lowest ranking was 21st in 2019.
Speaking from camp in Morocco, Arubi said mindset and work ethic will be key.
“As a team, we believe that we just have to go in with a positive mindset and work harder than we have been working. I’m really sure that we can manage to come out of the group,” he said.
The Warriors will be hoping that belief translates into points when they kick off their AFCON 2025 journey against Egypt under the Agadir lights.