Sports Correspondent

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has confirmed that the national football team, the Warriors, will play two international friendly matches against Algeria and Qatar during the upcoming FIFA window, as part of their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled for December.

Announcing the development in Harare on Thursday, ZIFA President Ngobile Magwizi said the fixtures were carefully selected to ensure the Warriors face top-tier opposition ahead of the continental showpiece.

“We wanted fixtures that truly test our mettle,” said Magwizi. “Algeria and Qatar represent the calibre of opposition we must face to measure our readiness for AFCON, and the choice of these friendlies was deliberate.”

The announcement came shortly after ZIFA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, represented by Permanent Secretary Moses Mhike. The partnership is expected to enhance collaboration in football development and youth engagement across schools.

According to ZIFA, the friendlies will provide valuable opportunities for the technical team to assess players, refine tactics, and build team chemistry before heading into the AFCON finals.

“These matches are about more than just competition,” Magwizi added. “They’re an essential part of building cohesion, improving tactical awareness, and giving our coaches a chance to make informed decisions before the tournament begins.”

ZIFA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the Warriors are well-prepared, guided by what the association described as “a vision of performance, pride, and professionalism.”