Captain Munetsi Ruled Out of Warriors’ final AFCON 2025 roster due to injuy
The Warriors, have officially named their final squad for the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to be held in Morocco. Head coach Mario Marinica has selected a 28-man roster aiming to navigate a challenging Group B that includes heavyweights Egypt, regional rivals South Africa, and Angola.
However, the squad announcement is marred by a significant blow: Captain Marshall Munetsi will miss the tournament due to injury. The Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder picked up a calf injury while on club duty in the English Premier League, an injury his club manager has confirmed will sideline him for approximately six weeks, effectively ruling him out of the continental showpiece.
In addition to Munetsi’s absence, forward Walter Musona has also been ruled out due to injury, and veteran star Khama Billiat was notably not included in the final selection. The team will heavily rely on key players like Marvelous Nakamba and Knowledge Musona to provide leadership and quality.
The Warriors open their Group B campaign against the record seven-time champions Egypt on December 22nd.
Zimbabwe Final Squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers
The goalkeeping duties will be shared among Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC), and Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC).
Defenders
Godknows Murwira (Scottland FC), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos FC), Sea Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday FC), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Gerald Takwara (Al Ittihad Misurata SC, Libya), Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora FC), Brandon Galloway (Plymouth Argyle FC), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), Alec Mudimu (Flint Town United), and Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns).
Midfielders
In midfield, the squad features Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town FC), Jonah Fabisch (FC Erzgebirge Aue), Andrew Rinomhota (Reading FC), Prosper Padera (SJK Seinäjoki), Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), and the experienced Knowledge Musona (Scottland FC).
Forwards
Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen FC), Ishamael Wadi (CAPS United FC), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell FC), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants), Prince Dube (Young Africans SC), Washington Navaya (TelOne FC), Macauley Bonne (Maldon & Tiptree FC), Junior Zindoga (TS Galaxy), and Tadiwanashe Chakuchichi (Scottland FC).
Notable Absence: Marshall Munetsi
The exclusion of captain Marshall Munetsi is a major setback for the Warriors. The 29-year-old midfielder has been a mainstay for both club and country. His injury—a calf strain sustained during a Premier League match—is expected to keep him out for approximately six weeks, making him unavailable for the entire AFCON tournament which runs from December 21st to January 18th. Coach Marinica will now have to find a suitable leader and tactical replacement for the influential player.
