Zimbabwe, dubbed “The Warriors” by home fans, return to the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time in a row hoping to shrug off their minnows tag after failing to make it beyond the group stages in Gabon 2017.
The southern African nation is pinning its dreams on players like Belgium-based striker Knowledge Musona, who turns for Lokeren and South Africa-based Khama Billiat who had a strong season at Kaizer Chiefs.
Zimbabwe, who rank 109 in the world and 26 in Africa, won three of their six qualifying matches for the top African football showcase in Egypt despite being dogged by financial woes.
In Cairo, they face formidable opponents in Group A, including hosts Egypt Uganda and DR Congo, with their opening match set to be played on June 21 in Cairo Stadium against the Pharaohs.
Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Felton Kamambo believes Warriors will silence their critics as they are ready to confront their barriers without fear and driven by the confidence that they can possibly write the Cinderella tale of the 2019 AFCON finals.
“Like I said before we are not going there to make numbers but to compete and bring results back home. The Egypt 2019 AFCON tournament has presented a perfect opportunity to take our brand high up there to compete with the best in Africa,” Kamambo told The Herald.
“I believe in our squad and I am positive that we are going to be a surprise package. Those who have already made the decision to partner us on this journey, I say thank you so much. Those who are still thinking about it don’t hesitate to be part of history,” he concluded.
The current team, combining local and foreign-based players, has been compared to the side which shone on the continent in the 1990s winning 13 matches unbeaten under German coach Reinhard Fabisch.
Zimbabwe have played three consecutive pre Afcon friendlies as they held title contenders Nigeria to a goalless draw in Abuja last Saturday.
The Warriors made their first AFCON appearance in 2004 after narrowly missing participating in 1994 Nations Cup when they lost by one goal courtesy of Zambia‘s Kalusha Bwalya header.
Zimbabwe football continued to grow against all odds as they came back in the 2006 edition as the young crop of players developed their skills in a bid to deliver success to the nation.
It will need a miracle for the Warriors to rise up to the challenge and defend the nation’s flag gallantly in Egypt and be able to go past the group stage.
The first two teams in each group will advance to the knock out stage of the competitions before the last four teams who will compete to determine which two makes it to the final for the chance to be crowned champions of African football 2019.
