Tinashe Sambiri– Zimbabwe’s national football side has shifted into a higher gear ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the training base steadily filling up as more seasoned players report for duty.

Goalkeepers coach Pernell Mckop and experienced shot-stopper Elvis Chipezeze are the latest additions to camp, strengthening the goalkeeping department with much-needed expertise. Their arrival comes just after team captain Marvelous Nakamba checked in on Friday, boosting morale among the largely local-based squad that has spent a week in camp.

Head coach Marian Marinica had earlier unveiled an extended list of 51 players, which will be narrowed down ahead of the team’s trip to Morocco. The initial group consisted of just over 20 players, but numbers have grown with the inclusion of Nakamba, Mckop, Chipezeze, Dynamos skipper Emmanuel Jalai — now fully recovered from a recent injury — goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi, and striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya.

In a notable development, defender Alec Mudimu has returned to national duty after previously stepping away from international football. Also joining the squad are Manica Diamonds goalkeeper Tedious Baye and Portugal-based youngster Colbert Chimedza, who plies his trade at AC Marinhense.

Zimbabwe has been drawn in Group B, where they will face Egypt, Angola, and South Africa. The Warriors open their AFCON campaign on December 22 with a challenging encounter against Egypt.