Suggested Zimbabwe Lineup vs Rwanda: Will Nees Play New Faces, Reward Impact Subs?

Zimbabwe Warriors vs Rwanda: Nees Expected to Shuffle Pack, Eye Fresh Options 🇿🇼

Zimbabwe close out their World Cup Qualifiers today, Tuesday, against Rwanda, and coach Michael Nees is tipped to refresh his starting XI after last week’s 1-0 defeat to Benin.

The return of vice-captain Marshall Munetsi (Wolves) from suspension means one of the starters in midfield  or attack is likely to make way, giving the Warriors more bite and balance in the engine room.

Equally, Nees may reward substitutes who impressed in Abidjan — Bill Antonio, Terrence Dzvukamanja and Tymon Machope all gave the team attacking urgency off the bench and could be trusted with starts.

There is also the possibility of handing debuts to players who have not featured so far in this qualifying window. Tivonge Rushesha and Thando Ngwenya are both highly rated young options who may get their chance, particularly as Nees looks ahead to AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

Possible XI (Speculative)

GK: Washington Arubi
Defence: Godknows Murwira/Tivonge Rushesha,  Munashe Garananga, Teenage Hadebe, Divine Lunga/Brendan Galloway
Midfield: Marvelous Nakamba (Captain), Marshall Munetsi
Attack: Bill Antonio, Knowledge Musona, Walter Musona/Jordan Zemura
Striker: Tawanda Maswanhise/Thando Ngwenya/ Dzvukamanja

Key Talking Points

• Munetsi’s Return: His energy and box-to-box ability offer a new dynamic compared to the Nakamba–Hadebe axis.
• Impact Subs: Antonio, Dzvukamanja and Machope are pushing for starts.
• New Faces: Rushesha and Ngwenya are in line for possible involvement.
• AFCON Build-Up: With qualification hopes over, experimentation now takes priority.

Substitutions & Tactical Notes

• Big Guns on the Bench: If the experimental approach doesn’t work in the first 70 minutes, expect one of the Musona brothers, Tino Kadewere or Tawanda Chirewa to be thrown in.

• Zimbabwe’s Timing Issue: The Warriors are often criticised for making late substitutions, in stark contrast to Benin, who made early changes that turned the match in their favour.

• Game Management: Rwanda are likely to sit deep and “park the bus” if they score first, meaning Zimbabwe cannot afford delayed tactical responses.

The Bigger Picture

With qualification already out of reach, this fixture is as much about testing depth as it is about securing pride. Nees must balance experimentation with decisiveness to avoid another frustrating outcome. It is also less about points and more about finding combinations that can deliver consistency when Zimbabwe line up in Morocco later this year.