The locally based contingent of the Zimbabwe national team — Walter Musona, Godknows Murwira, Emmanuel Jalai, Martin Mapisa and Terrence Dzvukamanja — together with the technical staff, touched down in Abidjan on Sunday ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Benin.
Knowledge Musona and the South Africa-based players are scheduled to arrive in West Africa on Monday, while Europe-based stars will link up with the squad directly from their clubs.
Meanwhile, head coach Michael Nees has been forced into two late changes to his squad. Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Sean Fusire has been dropped, with Tivonge Rushesha of Reading called in as his replacement.
In another adjustment, German-based midfielder Jonah Fabisch misses out after failing to recover from a concussion sustained last week. His slot has been taken by in-form Tymon Machope, who joins the attacking department fresh from a strong run of performances for Scottland FC.
The Warriors face Benin on Thursday, 5 September, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, in a Group C encounter that could prove decisive in their qualification campaign.