KEY POINTS
- Zimbabwe qualifies for AFCON 2025 with an unbeaten record.
- Kenyan coach praises Michael Nees’ leadership and vision.
- Fans and players celebrate the Warriors’ historic achievement.
Zimbabwe’s national football team, the Warriors, have qualified for their sixth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals after a thrilling 1-1 draw against Kenya at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday. The result, achieved under German coach Michael Nees, secures Zimbabwe’s place in the 2025 finals in Morocco.
Nees, appointed by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) just three months ago, has overseen an unbeaten qualification campaign. Zimbabwe finished with two wins over Namibia, draws with Kenya, and a solid performance against Cameroon, earning nine points in Group J. Cameroon tops the group with 11 points, but Zimbabwe’s second-place finish guarantees qualification.
Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Maswanhise opened the scoring in the first half, showcasing the team’s attacking prowess. However, a defensive error in the second half allowed Kenya to equalize. Despite the draw, the Warriors celebrated their successful campaign in style, drenching their coach in water and lifting him in gratitude for his guidance.
Kenyan coach Firat praises Nees’ leadership and vision
Kenya’s head coach Engin Firat praised Michael Nees for his strategic approach and ability to adapt to African football dynamics. Speaking after the match, Firat expressed admiration for the Warriors’ progress under Nees, predicting a strong showing in the AFCON finals.
“Zimbabweans are crying out of happiness while there are tears of pain in our dressing room. Your coach is doing a good job; he knows what football is needed in Africa,” Firat said.
Firat added that he sees Zimbabwe breaking new ground by advancing from the group stages of the AFCON tournament for the first time.
Fans celebrate as Zimbabwe joins Southern African qualifiers
The Warriors’ qualification sparked celebrations among players and fans. Aspiring ZIFA presidential candidates, including Temba Mliswa, provided buses to transport fans from Zimbabwe to support the team in South Africa. The stadium, filled to nearly half capacity, erupted in joy as the final whistle confirmed Zimbabwe’s ticket to Morocco.
Players like Godknows Murwira, Teenage Hadebe, and Jordan Zemura celebrated the milestone, singing and honoring their coach. Zimbabwe now joins South Africa, Angola, Zambia, and DRC as Southern African representatives in the prestigious tournament.
Nees, reflecting on his achievement, expressed gratitude for the support he received upon arrival in Zimbabwe. “We deserved the point, which we wanted. We qualified, which is the achievement we set three months ago, and we are happy,” he said.
