Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has declared that his team is aiming to reach the knockout stages of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco later this year — a feat that would mark a historic first for the Warriors.
Zimbabwe, who have been placed in a tough Group B alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Angola, will be looking to make an impact when the tournament kicks off in December.
Speaking after his side’s goalless draw against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday, Nees said his squad is determined to go beyond the group stage and prove their progress on the continental stage.
“I want to say it again — we don’t want to go to Morocco and be tourists there,” Nees said. “We want to be there on New Year’s Eve, because the second round starts in the new year. That is our ambition, our target, and we’re working towards that. It’s not always a smooth ride — there are little ups and downs — but when you look at the long run, there is hope.”
Zimbabwe will open their AFCON campaign against Egypt on 22 December at the Grand Stade d’Agadir before facing Angola on 26 December (Boxing Day) at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. Their final group fixture will be a highly anticipated clash with South Africa on 29 December, also in Marrakech.
Before turning their attention to AFCON, the Warriors will conclude their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this evening with a match against Lesotho, as they continue building momentum ahead of the continental showpiece.
