Zimbabwe’s Warriors head coach Michael Nees has announced the squad for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria in Group C.

The Warriors will first host Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium in South Africa on March 20, before traveling to Nigeria for a showdown with the Super Eagles on March 25.

Currently, Zimbabwe sits at the bottom of Group C with two points from four matches, making these fixtures critical in their qualification campaign.

Musona Makes Surprise Return

The biggest talking point in Nees’ squad is the return of Knowledge Musona, the Al Akhdoud forward, who retired from international duty in 2022.

Musona previously captained the Warriors at two AFCON tournaments—2019 in Egypt and 2021 in Cameroon.

Speaking on Musona’s return, Nees expressed his delight, emphasizing the veteran’s importance to the squad:

“I am happy Knowledge is back; he brings experience to the team. We need to ensure we have depth in every position as we build towards AFCON.”

The coach further revealed that Musona had been open to a return earlier, even during the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers.

“Knowledge was always willing to come back. In fact, he could have joined the team last November. If we had faced a crisis in Cameroon, he was ready. He never wanted to impose himself but remained committed to the Warriors.”

 

Warriors’ 23-Man Squad to Face Benin and Nigeria

🧤 Goalkeepers:

Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants, South Africa)

Marley Tavaziva (Brentford, England)

Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC, Zimbabwe)

🛡️ Defenders:

Jordan Zemura (Udinese, Italy)

Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)

Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC, Iraq)

Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen, Denmark)

Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora, Zimbabwe)

Peter Muduhwa (Scotland, Zimbabwe)

Godknows Murwira (Scotland, Zimbabwe)

Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos, Zimbabwe)

⚡ Midfielders:

Marshall Munetsi (Wolves, England)

Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City, Wales)

Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town, England)

Mthokozisi Msebe (Scotland, Zimbabwe)

Khama Billiat (Scotland, Zimbabwe)

Knowledge Musona (Al Akhdoud, Saudi Arabia)

Tawanda Chirewa (Huddersfield Town, England)

🎯 Forwards:

Prince Dube (Young Africans, Tanzania)

Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell, Scotland)

Terrence Dzvukamanja (Supersport United, South Africa)

Tymon Machope (Scotland, Zimbabwe)

Walter Musona (Scotland, Zimbabwe)

With Musona’s return and a mix of international experience, the Warriors will be hoping to turn their World Cup qualification campaign around.

 

Can Zimbabwe secure their first win in Group C? Share your thoughts below!