Zimbabwe AFCON 2027 Squad β Key Facts
- Nation: πΏπΌ Zimbabwe (Nickname: Warriors)
- New head coach: Ramon Catala (Spanish) β first game in charge
- AFCON 2027 group: Group E β with π¨π© DR Congo, π¬πΆ Equatorial Guinea, πΈπ± Sierra Leone
- Matchday 1: Sierra Leone vs Zimbabwe β 24 September 2026, 19:00 GMT (AWAY)
- Matchday 2: Zimbabwe vs DR Congo β 28 September 2026, 16:00 GMT (HOME)
- Home venue: National Sports Stadium, Harare (or neutral venue if unavailable)
- AFCON history: 5 tournament appearances (most recent: AFCON 2025 in Morocco)
- PSL contingent: 5 players from South African Betway Premiership
Summary: Spanish tactician Ramon Catala takes charge of the Zimbabwe Warriors for the first time on 24 September, when Zimbabwe open their AFCON 2027 qualifiers away at Sierra Leone. Catala has named a provisional squad heavy on South African Betway Premiership talent β including in-form AmaZulu striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, who has scored eight goals in six PSL matches to start the season. Zimbabwe return to AFCON qualifying campaign chasing back-to-back tournaments after their AFCON 2025 appearance in Morocco. This article covers the coach, squad, Group E context, and Zimbabwe’s qualification realistic chances.
Zimbabwe open a new coaching era in the biggest possible way β with Spanish head coach Ramon Catala taking charge in Freetown against Sierra Leone on 24 September in his first competitive match as Warriors boss. Catala’s squad reflects the current shape of Zimbabwean football β heavily anchored in the South African PSL, with European-based experience through Jordan Zemura, Marshall Munetsi, and the returning veterans of AFCON 2025 in Morocco. This article covers the coach, squad, Group E context, and Zimbabwe’s realistic path to back-to-back AFCON qualification.
The New Coach β Ramon Catala
Spanish coach Ramon Catala replaces the previous management team that led Zimbabwe to AFCON 2025 in Morocco. His first competitive match in charge is the away trip to Freetown to face Sierra Leone on 24 September β a genuinely challenging first assignment.
Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) turned to Catala’s tactical experience to build on the momentum of AFCON 2025 qualification and push for back-to-back AFCON appearances β something the Warriors have historically struggled to achieve. His task is to blend the PSL-based core with the European contingent into a cohesive attacking side.
The PSL Contingent β Zimbabwe’s Backbone
Five players in Catala’s provisional squad play in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) β reflecting the strong football connection between the two countries:
| Player | PSL Club | Position |
|---|---|---|
| πΏπΌ Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya | AmaZulu FC | Striker |
| πΏπΌ Elvis Chipezeze | Magesi FC | Goalkeeper |
| πΏπΌ Divine Lunga | Mamelodi Sundowns | Defender |
| πΏπΌ Junior Zindoga | TS Galaxy | Midfielder |
| πΏπΌ Daniel Msendami | Orlando Pirates | Defender |
Ngwenya’s form is particularly noteworthy. The AmaZulu striker has netted eight goals in six PSL games to start the 2026/27 season β arguably the hottest form in South African football. His selection reflects Catala’s willingness to reward current-season performance.
Key Players to Watch
πΏπΌ Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (AmaZulu) β Striker
Zimbabwe’s most in-form striker heading into qualifying. Eight goals in six PSL games means he arrives at the international camp with genuine confidence and a scoring rhythm. If Ngwenya transfers his club form to the Warriors, Zimbabwe has a dangerous focal point up top.
πΏπΌ Jordan Zemura (Udinese) β Left Back
Italy-based Zemura brings Serie A defensive quality and attacking penetration from left back. He is one of the most experienced European-based Warriors and a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s competitive setup.
πΏπΌ Marshall Munetsi β Midfielder
The veteran holding midfielder provides tactical shield and organisation. His experience across multiple AFCON qualifying campaigns is invaluable in matches against Group E opposition.
πΏπΌ Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns) β Defender
Playing regular Champions League and PSL football with Sundowns gives Lunga elite continental exposure. He is expected to anchor the Warriors defensive line.
Group E β Zimbabwe’s Path
| Group E Team | FIFA Rank | Threat Level |
|---|---|---|
| π¨π© DR Congo | Top 55 | Genuine group favourite |
| π¬πΆ Equatorial Guinea | ~90 | Nations Cup regulars |
| πΏπΌ Zimbabwe | ~120 | Fighting for 2nd slot |
| πΈπ± Sierra Leone | ~130 | Direct rival for 2nd slot |
Qualification maths: The top TWO teams from Group E qualify for AFCON 2027 (this is not a host group). DR Congo are the heavy favourites for one automatic qualification slot. The second slot is a genuine three-way battle between Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea. Zimbabwe’s opening match at Sierra Leone is therefore the most important fixture of their entire qualifying campaign.
Zimbabwe’s Matchday 1 and 2 Fixtures
| Matchday | Fixture | Date | Kick-off (GMT) | EAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD1 | πΈπ± Sierra Leone v Zimbabwe πΏπΌ | 24 Sep 2026 | 19:00 | 22:00 |
| MD2 | πΏπΌ Zimbabwe v DR Congo π¨π© | 28 Sep 2026 | 16:00 | 19:00 |
The away trip to Sierra Leone is a genuinely difficult opening test β against a direct rival for the second Group E qualification slot. Get 3 or 4 points from Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe control the qualification narrative. Fail to do so, and the pressure on the Zimbabwe vs DR Congo home fixture on 28 September becomes enormous.
Recent Form β The Case for Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe arrive at AFCON 2027 qualifying with genuine momentum:
- Qualified for AFCON 2025 in Morocco β first tournament appearance since 2021
- Multiple resilient performances during 2026 World Cup qualifiers (goalless draw with Rwanda, 1-1 with Nigeria)
- Growing PSL presence β five players from the South African top flight
- New professional coaching structure under Ramon Catala
- Ngwenya in the form of his life at AmaZulu
Back-to-back AFCON qualification has historically eluded the Warriors. Ramon Catala’s task is to make history and end that pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Zimbabwe head coach for AFCON 2027 qualifiers?
Spanish tactician Ramon Catala is the new head coach of the Zimbabwe Warriors. The Sierra Leone match on 24 September is his first competitive game in charge.
What group are Zimbabwe in for AFCON 2027 qualifiers?
Zimbabwe are in Group E alongside DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Sierra Leone. Top two qualify for the tournament in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda in June-July 2027.
When is Zimbabwe’s first AFCON 2027 qualifier?
Zimbabwe’s first AFCON 2027 qualifier is away to Sierra Leone on 24 September 2026 at 19:00 GMT (22:00 EAT / 20:00 Harare time).
When is Zimbabwe’s first home qualifier?
Zimbabwe’s first home AFCON 2027 qualifier is against DR Congo on 28 September 2026 at 16:00 GMT (19:00 EAT / 18:00 Harare time), expected at the National Sports Stadium in Harare or a neutral venue if unavailable.
Who are Zimbabwe’s key players?
The most influential Warriors heading into AFCON 2027 qualifying are AmaZulu striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (in the form of his life with eight goals in six PSL games), Udinese left-back Jordan Zemura, veteran midfielder Marshall Munetsi, and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Divine Lunga.
How many South African-based players are in the squad?
Five PSL-based players have been named in Ramon Catala’s provisional squad β Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (AmaZulu), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Junior Zindoga (TS Galaxy), and Daniel Msendami (Orlando Pirates).
What is Zimbabwe’s AFCON history?
Zimbabwe have appeared at 5 AFCON tournaments, most recently AFCON 2025 in Morocco. The Warriors have never progressed beyond the group stage of the tournament.
What are Zimbabwe’s realistic AFCON 2027 chances?
Zimbabwe are fighting for the second Group E qualification slot alongside Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea, with DR Congo the group favourite. Qualification depends heavily on the results of the September double-header β particularly the away trip to Sierra Leone.
For the complete AFCON 2027 fixtures see our Matchday 1 & 2 schedule. For the full tournament overview see our AFCON 2027 dates guide. For our comprehensive countdown to qualifying see our AFCON 2027 countdown article.
Squad and coach details based on Zimbabwe Football Association announcement, CAF fixture confirmations, and reporting from iDiski Times and Africa Soccer. Article will be updated with the full player list and any late squad changes.