The Warriors coach Ramon Catala has selected a 23-man squad, featuring a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents, as the Warriors prepare for two important fixtures in their qualification campaign.
Among the notable names are Jordan Zemura of Watford, Marshall Munetsi of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Marvelous Nakamba of Panetolikos, Tawanda Chirewa of Wolves and Bill Antonio of KV Mechelen.
Zimbabwe will be looking to build on their opening two matches, having collected three points from a possible six.
The double-header against Equatorial Guinea presents an important opportunity for the Warriors to strengthen their position in the group and boost their chances of securing qualification for AFCON 2027.
The Warriors have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) six times in its history (2004, 2006, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2025).
However, in every appearance, Zimbabwe has been eliminated in the group stage, having never progressed past the first round.
Zimbabwe missed the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast due to an international suspension by FIFA/CAF regarding government interference in the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
Zimbabwe had to wait nearly two decades before tasting the Africa Cup of Nations, earning their first qualification in 2004 in Tunisia.
For Equatorial Guinea, popularly known as the Nzalang Nacional, they have built a remarkable and surprising history in the AFCON since making their debut in 2012.
In 2015, hosting the tournament again, they exceeded expectations by advancing to the semi-finals, where they lost to Ghana before finishing fourth after a penalty shootout loss to DR Congo.
Under manager Juan Micha, Equatorial Guinea has never been eliminated in the group stage, advancing out of the first round in every appearance under his guidance.
Zimbabwe squad to face Equatorial Guinea
Goalkeepers: Martin Mapisa (Hardrock), Future Sibanda (ZPC Kariba), Nelson Chadya (Scottland), and Aaron Ngwenya (Highlanders.
Defenders: Jordan Zemura (Watford), Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town), Tinotenda Muringai (Hardrock)
Kelvin Moyo (Scottland), Peter Muduhwa (Scottland), Emmanuel Jalai (Scottland), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday), Shane Maroodza (Sarajevo).
Midfielders: Abubakar Moffat (Scottland), Mthokozisi Msebe (Scottland), Marshall Munetsi (Wolves), Andy Rinomhota (Reading), Jonah Fabisch (Golden Arrows), Marvellous Nakamba (Panetolikos).
Forwards: Tawanda Chirewa (Wolves), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants), Tinotenda Kadewere (Aris Salonica), and Thando Ngwenya (AmaZulu).
Bissouma left out of Mali squad
Meanwhile, Mali coach Anthony Da Silva has named a 24-man squad for the crucial double-header against Rwanda.
Yves Bissouma, Mohamed Camara, El Bilal Toure, Moussa Sylla and Sekou Koita have been left out, while Nouhoum Kamissoko (Marseille), who was included in the preliminary squad, has also been left out.
Mali squad to face Rwanda
Goalkeepers: Djigui Diarra, Mamadou Samassa, Emile Doucoure, Ngolo Traore.
Defenders: Hamari Traoré, Modibo Sagnan, Daouda Guindo, Amadou Dante, Ousmane Camara, Nathan Gassama, Check Keita, Adama Camara.
Midfielders: Amadou Haidara, Aliou Dieng, Lassana Coulibaly, Kamory Doumbia, Ousmane Diakité, Mamadou Sangare, Issa Djiguiba.
Forwards: Lassine Sinayoko, Nene Dorgeles, Ali Ami Gory, Gaoussou Diarra, Ange-Martial Tia.
