Zim Announce Prelim AFCON Squad, Former Chiefs Star Excluded

New Zimbabwe head coach Marian ‘Mario’ Marinica has named his 55-man preliminary squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations but somewhat surprisingly excluded Khama Billiat.

Marinica initially named 51 players in his preliminary squad, which included Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder, Marshall Munetsi, Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubu, and Magesi FC goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze as well as former Kaizer Chiefs striker Knowledge Musona.

Four players were later added to the team to make it 55 players, but squad will need to be cut to 28 names by 8 December latest.

However, Scotland FC talisman Billiat has been excluded from the squad after the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Chiefs forward missed Zimbabwe’s last two friendly matches against Algeria and Qatar. The 35-year-old last played for the Warriors under Michael Nees during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Zim are placed in Group B for the AFCON alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Angola. They will start their tournament against the Pharaohs on 22 December before facing Angola four days later and closing the group stages against Bafana Bafana on 29 December.

Below is Zimbabwe’s full preliminary squad:

1. Washington Arubi
2. Martin Mapisa
3. Elvis Chipezeze
4. Godknows Murwira
5. Emmanuel Jalai
6. Isheanesu Anselmo Mauchi
7. John Gerald Tungamirai Takwara
8. Munashe Peter Garananga
9. Teenage Lingani Hadebe
10. Brendan Joel Zibusiso Galloway
11. Jordan Bhekithemba Zemura
12. Jonah Reinhard Fabisch
13. Thandolwenkosi Methuseli Ngwenya
14. Daniel Msendami
15. Bill Leeroy Antonio
16. Tawanda Jethro Maswanhise
17. Walter Tatenda Musona
18. Tymon Machope
19. Tawanda Blessing Chirewa
20. Marshall Nyasha Munetsi
21. Marvelous Nakamba
22. Prince Mpumelelo Dube
23. Divine Xolile Lunga
24. Prosper Padera
25. Sean Sheunesu Fusire
26. Andrew Farai Rinomhota
27. Terrence Dzvukamanja
28. Washington Gift Navaya
29. Bonne Macauley
30. Nelson Tapiwa Chadya
31. Donovan Fungai Benard
32. Kevin Njabulo Moyo
33. Peter Muduhwa
34. Andrew Kabila Mbeba
35. Albert Manenji
36. Xolani Ndlovu
37. Abubakar Moffat
38. Junior Makunike
39. Kingsley Mureremba
40. Joseph Tulani
41. Mthokozisi Msebe
42. Nigel Elfas Matinha
43. Ishmael Wadi
44. Emmanuel Tafadzwa Ziocha 45. Billy Vheremu
45. Obriel Chirinda
46. Junior Zindoga
47. Alec Mudimu
48. Tadiwa Joshua Chakuchichi
49. Webster Tanaka Tafa
50. Knowledge Musona

Late call-ups:

1. Ishmael Nyanhi
2. Wilfred Madzungu
3. Junior Jarrison Selemani
4. Genius Hute