Sports Correspondent- Zimbabwe’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have suffered a blow after Liverpool starlet Isaac Mabaya was forced to withdraw through injury.

The highly-rated full-back will have to wait longer for his first senior cap for the Warriors. He had been included in the final squad for the crucial Group E double-header against Sierra Leone and DR Congo.

Confirming the setback, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) announced that Mabaya will not be available for selection as he recovers.

Despite the setback, ZIFA says camp is progressing well, with a large contingent of players having already checked in.

According to the association, 19 players are currently in camp as the technical team steps up preparations.

The Warriors open their campaign against Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars in Morocco on September 24, before returning home to face the Democratic Republic of Congo at the National Sports Stadium on September 28.

Warriors in camp:

Marshall Munetsi, Elvis Chipezese, Daniel Msendami, Andy Rinomhota, Prosper Padera, Munashe Garananga, Sean Fusire, Bill Antonio, Shane Maroodza, Marvelous Nakamba, Thando Ngwenya, Tawanda Chirewa, Corbin Mthunzi, Martin Mapisa, Nelson Chadya, Peter Muduhwa, Kevin Moyo, Emmanuel Jalai and Abubakar Moffat.