The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has officially secured the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Limpopo Province, South Africa, to host the Warriors’ upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifier match against Kenya’s Harambee Stars.
The match is scheduled for Friday, November 15, 2024, with kick-off set for 6 PM. Zimbabwe is in Group J of the AFCON qualifiers, alongside Cameroon, Namibia, and Kenya.
The two teams last met in the first leg of the qualifiers in September, which ended in a 0-0 draw at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Currently, Zimbabwe sits second in Group J, having earned eight points from four matches, just two points behind group leaders Cameroon.
Kenya, on the other hand, holds third place in the group with four points after four games, and they remain mathematically in contention for a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.
Due to the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) strict stadium accreditation standards, both Zimbabwe and Kenya have been forced to play their AFCON qualifiers away from home.
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Zimbabwe will play against Kenya in a football match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in South Africa on November 15, 2024. This match is part of the AFCON qualifiers. Zimbabwe has eight points in their group, while Kenya has four points. Both teams have to play their matches away from their home country due to strict rules. The last time these two teams met, it was a draw. The game will be important for both teams to qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament.

Peter Mokaba Stadium To Host Zimbabwe Vs Kenya AFCON Qualifier

Zimbabwe moved closer to qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after beating Namibia 3-1 at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg on Monday evening. The Warriors now have 8 points in Group J.
The Warriors must avoid defeat against Kenya in their next match next month to secure a place in the finals.
Cameroon leads the group with 10 points after winning against Kenya in the other group fixture at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda.
Kenya sits third with 4 points, while Namibia has been eliminated with four losses.
The first half ended goalless, with Namibia having 58% possession. In the second half, Simba Bhora forward Walter Musona scored twice, and Prince Dube added the third goal.
Musona scored from a high ball in the 50th minute and converted a penalty after a handball in the box.
Dube, who came in as a second-half substitute, scored in the 89th minute following a low cross from Jordan Zemura.
Another substitute Godwin Eiseb pulled a goal back for the Brave Warriors at the stroke of full-time following a defensive error by the Warriors.
The Warriors had defeated Namibia 1-0 in their first meeting, allowing them to secure a maximum of six points from the Brave Warriors.
Zimbabwe starting XI: 22 Washington Arubi, 2 Gerald Takwara, 3 Jordan Zemura, 7 Terrence Dzvukamanja, 8 Marshal Munetsi, 9 Douglas Mapfumo, 10 Andrew Rinomhota, 11 Khama Billiat, 12 Walter Musona, 13 Brendon Galloway and 21 Godknows Murwira.
Namibia starting XI: Edward Maova, Aprocius Petrus, Riaan Hanamub, Ivan Kamberipa, Charles Hambira, Prins Menelik Tjiueza, Paulus Amutenya, Baggio Tuli-Ngenovali, Deon Hotto, Bethuel Muzeu, and Peter Shalulile.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe won 3-1 against Namibia in a soccer match, bringing them closer to qualify for 2025 AFCON. They have 8 points in the group. They need to avoid losing to Kenya in the next match to go to finals. Cameroon leads with 10 points. Namibia is out with four losses. In the game, Musona and Dube scored for Zimbabwe, while Eiseb scored for Namibia. Zimbabwe had also won their previous match against Namibia. Kenya has 4 points in the group. It was a tough game, but Zimbabwe played well to win.

Zimbabwe Moves Closer To 2025 AFCON Finals With 3-1 Victory Over Namibia

Warriors captain Marvelous Nakamba is doubtful for today’s Africa Cup of Nations Group J reverse fixture against Namibia, having missed group training sessions for two consecutive days.
Zimbabwe will host the match at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. Kick-off is at 6 PM.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200033601/nakamba-doubtful">NewsDay</a>, Nakamba, who started the Warriors’ match against Namibia on Thursday after a lengthy injury layoff, watched the team’s final training session from the sidelines.
The Luton Town midfielder did not participate in the training session on Saturday, opting instead for indoor gym workouts.
However, during the pre-match press conference on Sunday, Warriors coach Michael Nees insisted that “all players are available” for the match. He said:
<blockquote>
We have two or three knocks but it’s normal when you play two games in four days. We will wait until tomorrow (today) but I’m confident everyone is fit.
</blockquote>
Despite securing a 1-0 victory over Namibia on Thursday thanks to a penalty from Khama Billiat, the Warriors struggled throughout the match.
They were fortunate to come away with three points, as the Brave Warriors could easily have capitalised on their chances and claimed victory if they had been more clinical in front of goal. Said Nees:
<blockquote>
They (Namibia) are dangerous especially in attack because they have top players who are in the South African league.
They have (Peter) Shalulie, (Dion) Hotto and Prins (Tjiueza), who are excellent players and can really, individually and as a group, create some problems for any team.
We have to be very alert because they are very fast, dynamic and if we can manage them I’m sure we can also create some opportunities to score.
I’m confident about that because we have a lot of good players also and I believe in their abilities.
</blockquote>
Nees believes that having faced Namibia last week, the Warriors now have a clearer understanding of their opponents’ playing style and what is necessary to secure a win.
With thousands of fans expected to fill Orlando Stadium, Nees anticipates that the energy from the crowd will inspire the players as the Warriors aim for nothing less than three points.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Marvelous Nakamba might not play in the game against Namibia because he missed training. The match will be in South Africa at 6 PM today. Even though Nakamba didn't train, the coach says all players are ready to play. The Warriors won the last game against Namibia, but it was tough. Namibia has good players who can be dangerous. The coach thinks the team is ready to face them again and win. The fans will be there to support the team, and the coach hopes their energy will help the players win.

Nakamba Misses Training Ahead Of AFCON Clash Against Namibia

The Warriors are aiming for a victory this Monday at Orlando Stadium as they take on the Brave Warriors of Namibia.
This comes on the heels of their 1-0 triumph in the first of back-to-back AFCON qualifying matches last Thursday.
Khama Billiat scored the only goal from the penalty spot, securing Zimbabwe’s first three points of the qualifying campaign and briefly elevating them to the top of the group with five points.
However, the Warriors have since been surpassed by Cameroon, who now lead Group J with seven points following their 4-1 win against Kenya on Friday.
Currently, Kenya holds four points, while Namibia remains at the bottom of the table without a win and zero points.
Speaking ahead of the match against Namibia today, Warriors vice-captain Marshall Munetsi said:
<blockquote>
Getting a win was crucial. We have been progressing well, and we knew we needed to win the first game by all means. Namibia tried to play mind games, but we were happy with the three points.
The confidence was already there after our results in Uganda. We know Kenya and Cameroon will cancel each other out. Namibia aren’t an easy pushover, but we need six points from these two games.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s match against Namibia last week was played behind closed doors and Munetsi believes having fans in today’s match will be an advantage for the Warriors. He said:
<blockquote>
Our fans can show their support by coming to the stadium. We’d love to see nice faces cheering us on.
</blockquote>
Morocco will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, having previously hosted it in 1988.
In 1988 only eight teams were at the Africa Cup of Nations, which Cameroon won.
In 2025, 24 teams are set to compete at the tournament after CAF has expanded the competition.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Warriors want to win against Namibia. They won their first game but are now second in their group. Namibia has zero points. The vice-captain is confident they will win. The next game will have fans. Morocco will host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 with 24 teams.

Warriors Set Sights On Victory Against Namibia

Zimbabwe’s national senior men’s football team coach Michael Nees appeared satisfied with grinding out a narrow 1-0 victory over Namibia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Thursday.
Nees conceded that the match was an “ugly” affair, but insisted that the most important outcome was securing the win.
The match, played behind closed doors at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, was largely dominated by Namibia for extended periods. The solitary goal of the game was scored by Khama Billiat in the 34th minute.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Nees conceded that the team had made “technical mistakes” throughout the encounter.
However, he declared that the priority was to come away with the three points, regardless of the aesthetic quality of the performance. Said Nees:
<blockquote>
The game was no beauty contest. It was a hard fight that we had anticipated. Because there were no spectators allowed, we knew that it was going to be a fight; not a beauty contest, and at half-time we said okay today we also had some technical mistakes, and let’s accept. We just have to win no matter how it looks.
Today we were a bit more lucky because we were fighting, we had luck at the right time and no bad luck at the wrong time and that’s all we could do, to fight until the end and today we got a deserved result for that reason
</blockquote>
The narrow victory over Namibia propelled Zimbabwe to the top of Group J in the AFCON qualifiers, with five points – one point clear of Cameroon and Kenya, who are set to face off this Friday at the Japoma Stadium in Douala.
Namibia, meanwhile, remain the only team in the group without a single point after suffering their third consecutive loss.
Coach Nees did not appear overly concerned about his team’s lack of preparation ahead of the return fixture against Namibia, scheduled for Monday evening at the same venue. He said:
<blockquote>
I’m not that worried. But you must see the circumstances our game was taking place. Today is Thursday (yesterday) and I only had one training session with the full squad.
One hour in this stadium where you cannot even train set-pieces because you don’t know who is sitting in the stadium. That’s all that we could do.
</blockquote>
A win for either Cameroon or Kenya will ensure that Zimbabwe enters their matchday 4 encounter against Namibia on Monday in second position in the group standings.
With only the top two teams from each group set to qualify for the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco, Zimbabwe’s victory over Namibia has put them in a strong position, but they will still need to secure another three points in the return fixture to bolster their chances of reaching the continental tournament.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's coach, Nees, was happy with the 1-0 win over Namibia, even though he called the match "ugly". The game was tough, with technical mistakes, but the important thing was getting the win. This victory puts Zimbabwe at the top of their group in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Namibia is still without a point in the tournament. Nees is not worried about the lack of preparation for the next game. If Cameroon or Kenya win their match, Zimbabwe will be in second place. Only the top two teams from each group qualify for the finals, so Zimbabwe still needs to win more games to reach the tournament in Morocco.

Nees Satisfied With Zimbabwe's "Ugly" 1-0 Win Over Namibia

Zimbabwe climbed to the top of Group J in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers after claiming a 1-0 victory over Namibia on Thursday afternoon.
The match’s only goal came in the first half when Zimbabwe was awarded a penalty on the hour-mark after Jordan Zemura was fouled inside the box.
Khama Billiat stepped up to convert the spot-kick, although his weak effort appeared saveable by Namibia goalkeeper Edward Maova. However, the ball squirmed beyond the goalkeeper and into the net.
The game was played at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, as both Zimbabwe and Namibia’s home stadiums had been condemned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
In the second half, Namibia pressed forward in search of an equaliser, with numerous shots either missing the target or being saved by Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi. However, the Warriors held on to secure the three points.
The victory sees Zimbabwe move to the top of Group J with five points, one point ahead of Kenya and Cameroon, who are both on four points. Namibia, meanwhile, suffered their third consecutive loss in the group.
The two teams will face off again on Monday, this time at the same venue in South Africa. The return fixture is expected to attract a larger crowd, as today’s match was played behind closed doors.
Cameroon and Kenya will face off at the Japoma Stadium on Friday, October 11. A win for either side will ensure that Zimbabwe enters their matchday 4 encounter against Namibia on Monday in second position in the group standings.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe won against Namibia with a score of 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers. The only goal was scored by Khama Billiat from a penalty kick. Even though Namibia tried to score in the second half, they couldn't. Zimbabwe now leads the group with five points, with Kenya and Cameroon behind with four points each. The two teams will play again soon. The game was played in South Africa as Zimbabwe and Namibia's stadiums were not allowed to host games.

Zimbabwe Edges Namibia 1-0 To Claim Top Spot In Group J

Warriors coach Michael Nees has lamented the “COVID-19 atmosphere” in which the Group J 2025 AFCON Qualifiers match between Namibia and Zimbabwe will be played at Orlando Stadium in South Africa on Thursday afternoon.
During the pandemic, football matches were played without fans to minimise virus transmission, which diminished crowd energy and negatively affected player motivation and performance.
Although Namibia is the designated home team, they chose to play the match in an empty stadium, citing financial constraints related to match-day expenses, excluding stadium rental.
However, Zimbabwean football commentators suspect that this decision is part of a strategy by the Brave Warriors to disadvantage Zimbabwe, which has many citizens residing in Johannesburg, South Africa.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Nees said the Warriors expect a tough encounter against the Brave Warriors. He said:
<blockquote>
Difficult match, with a COVID-19 atmosphere. It’s going to be a tough match because Namibia has been improving in the past years.
Namibia is a team which has improved over the years but they started their campaign with two defeats and we have been analysing them because they have good players based in South Africa.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe currently sits in third place in Group J with 2 points, trailing Kenya and Cameroon, who are tied for first and second with 4 points each.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the 2025 AFCON finals, which will be hosted by Morocco. Added Nees:
<blockquote>
There are six points at stake against one team, our target is we have the qualification state by our own hands by November.
If you look, the group is not decided yet even if we are to collect two points, but for Namibia, it’s time they collect maximum points if they are to keep their dream alive.
</blockquote>
Namibia has a clear advantage over Zimbabwe in their head-to-head matchups, having won four of their last five encounters.
Zimbabwe’s last victory against Namibia was in 2017, when they secured a 1-0 win in an Africa Cup of Nations match at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
Unfortunately, the Warriors will be without Tino Kadewere and Tawanda Chirewa for the upcoming matches against Namibia due to injuries, with Kadewere suffering from a calf injury and Chirewa from a thigh injury.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's coach Michael Nees is worried about playing in a COVID-19 atmosphere for the AFCON qualifiers. The match will be in an empty stadium, which can make it hard for the players to perform well. Namibia is struggling, but they have won more games against Zimbabwe in the past. Zimbabwe wants to win to qualify for the AFCON finals. Some key players are injured, which could make it harder for them to win. The coach is hopeful but knows it will be a tough game.

Michael Nees Rues "COVID-19 Atmosphere" Ahead Of AFCON Qualifier

Warriors players Knowledge Musona, Last Jesi and Terrence Dzvukamanja are the first international players to arrive in Zimbabwe ahead of the AFCON qualifiers against Zambia and Botswana, The Herald reports.
Captain Musona is based in Belgium, Jesi in Sudan and Dzvukamanja in South Africa will join the few local players like Highlanders’ captain Ariel Sibanda in camp as they prepare for Thursday’s game. While Spain-based goalkeeper Martin Mapisa is expected to be in the country tomorrow.
ZIFA is reportedly still trying to get Tino Kadewere and Marshal Munetsi to join the squad that will take on Botswana on Thursday and then later on Zambia next week on Monday.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/just-in-knowledge-musona-jets-in-for-afcon-ties/">The Herald </a>

Musona, Dzvukamanja, Jesi Jet In Ahead Of The AFCON Qualifiers

Warriors Midfielder Kuda Mahachi was injured yesterday during the game between Supersport United and TS Galaxy. Mahachi who had been named as part of the squad that will face Botswana and Zambia in the AFCON qualifiers matches to be played this month was substituted in the 57th minute as he limped off the field yesterday.
Kudas’ injury if it is severe, or if it needs more time to heal will definitely dampen Warriors Coach Zdravko Logarusic’s spirits as he was one of the players he was hoping will help his boys score some points in the AFCON qualifiers.
Zimbabwe is in Group H together with Algeria, Botswana, and Zambia and Algeria has 10 points while Botswana has 4 points while Zambia has 3 points so far. Zimbabwe has 5 points so far and still has 2 matches to play to qualify for the AFCON.
Source: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/mahachi-in-injury-scare/">The Herald</a>

Kuda Mahachi Injured During Yesterday's Game

Following Friday’s announcement that local football can resume, it has emerged that all local matches, for now, will be played behind closed doors, The Sunday News reports. This includes the AFCON qualifiers between Zimbabwe and <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/10/13/national-sports-stadium-cleared-to-host-warriors-against-algeria-match/">Algeria which will be played at the National Sports stadium</a> next month.
This was revealed by PSL Chairman Farai Jere who said for now they were not even thinking about allowing fans into the stadiums:
<blockquote>…..As things stand, we are not thinking about allowing fans into the grounds as we seek to follow international standards to ensure the safety of the players and that we do not become a conduit for the spread of the corona virus. However, remember the situation is fluid and maybe by the time the games start something magical would have happened and we let fans in</blockquote>
Stakeholders have even reportedly suggested that ZIFA introduces a bubble for local teams just like how the South Africans and the Americans did in order to protect the players:
<blockquote>A mini-league concept has been proposed using the bubble idea, with activities to be strictly controlled Questions have, however, been raised about the affordability of the bubble, which would require the competing teams to stay isolated from the general public for the duration of the competition. South Africa used the bubble concept to finish off their 2019/20 Premier Soccer League season.</blockquote>
ZIFA is yet to finalize on a lot of things concerning the resumption of football as communicated by the football administration’s spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela who said:
<blockquote>We are still studying the letter from the SRC, we will advise on the way forward in due course.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/fans-still-banned-from-football-matches/">The Sunday News </a>

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