The Warriors of Zimbabwe have shifted focus after crashing out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 1 nil defeat to Benin at Alassane Quatara Stadium in Abidjan Ivory Coast last evening.
Yesterday’s defeat left the Warriors at the bottom of Group C with four points out of seven outings played so far – a poor, dismal performance by any standard.
With only three games left, Zimbabwe is no longer able to win the group, can only come second, and hope to enter on technical grounds via play-offs, provided they collect maximum points their remaining games.
In reality, the Warriors are out of the 2026 World Cup.
Zimbabwe, anchors group C comprising of leaders South Africa, Benin, Rwanda, Nigeria, and Lesotho.
The Warriors now, have to focus on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) scheduled for Morocco.
AFCON is a biennial African football tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football.
This year’s edition will be hosted by Morocco for the second time and the first since 1988.
Morocco was originally scheduled to host the 2015 edition, but withdrew due to fears stemming from the COVID 19.
AFCON 2025 Groups:
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 Republic, Botswana.
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan.
Group F: Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique.