Zimbabwe’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have been jolted by the sudden withdrawal of Andy Rinomhota, handing Group B opponents an unexpected headache just days before kickoff.
The central midfielder, who plays his club football for Reading FC, arrived in Morocco earlier this week and had already rejoined teammates following a Harare-based training camp. He even featured in official media duties, posing for a team photo while assigned the No.10 shirt, before opting to leave the squad barely 48 hours later.
His departure removes an important link player from the Warriors’ midfield engine room and compounds the disruption already facing head coach Mario Marinica. Earlier, vice-captain Marshall Munetsi was left out of the final squad amid controversy, further thinning Zimbabwe’s options ahead of the tournament.
Rinomhota’s international availability has been intermittent in recent months. He previously declined a September call-up under then coach Michael Nees while searching for a new club following his release from Cardiff City.
The Warriors are yet to announce a replacement for the midfielder. Zimbabwe begin their Group B campaign against Egypt, before facing Angola on Boxing Day and concluding the group against Bafana Bafana on December 29.
Rinomhota explains decision
In a statement, Rinomhota cited an urgent family matter as the reason for his withdrawal.
“I have had to step away from the national team camp with immediate effect due to a pressing family issue that requires my full attention,” he said. “Missing a tournament of this magnitude is devastating, but I am not in the right mental space to give the team my best at this time.”
He stressed that the decision was taken with great difficulty, reaffirmed his commitment to the national team, and asked for privacy while pledging full support for his teammates as Zimbabwe chase a breakthrough AFCON campaign.