By Advent Shoko | ZiGoats
Zimbabwe have named their final Young Warriors squad for the two-legged U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Mali as coach Marc Sanchez prepares his side for a crucial test in their campaign to reach the continental finals.
The Young Warriors will face Mali on 11 and 17 November 2026, with Zimbabwe hoping to make a strong statement against one of Africa’s established football nations.
Sanchez has selected a squad featuring a blend of locally based players and young footballers attached to clubs in England, Finland and Australia, reflecting the growing international reach of Zimbabwean youth football.
The selection comes after an encouraging opening-round campaign in which Zimbabwe eliminated Mauritius 6-1 on aggregate. The Young Warriors won the first leg 2-0 at the National Sports Stadium before completing the job with a 4-1 victory away from home.
A Squad With International Experience
The final selection includes players attached to several prominent English clubs, including Portsmouth, Brentford, Aston Villa, Reading, Norwich City, Fulham, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest and Birmingham City.
There is also representation from Finland, Australia, South Africa and Zimbabwe’s domestic football system.
Portsmouth forward Elisha Pfupa is among the exciting names to watch after scoring a hat-trick against Mauritius. Brentford forward David Chigwada, who also scored during the opening-round campaign, provides another attacking option.
The inclusion of players from different football environments gives Sanchez a wider pool of talent as he seeks to build a competitive side capable of progressing through the qualifiers.
Full Young Warriors Squad
Goalkeepers
- Tatenda Chikowero – Ngezi Platinum
- Joseph Kaunda – Manica Diamonds
- Jayden Garthwaite – Aston Villa
Other selected players
- Elisha Pfupa – Portsmouth
- David Chigwada – Brentford
- Vernon Masara – Peterborough
- Reece Evans – Reading
- Tanaka Munemo – Ngezi Platinum
- Allan Chapinduka – TelOne FC
- Takudzwa Gwanzura – Norwich City
- Prosper Padera – SJK Seinäjoki
- Jayden Munikwa – Norwich City
- Miles Bracking – Norwich City
- Dylan Tawodzera – Huddersfield Town
- Seth Chingwaro – Fulham
- Richard Nkomo – South Melbourne
- Tinashe Manyumba – Leicester City
- Kristian Clark – Nottingham Forest
- Menzi Mazwi – Birmingham City
- Nisbert Muzenda – Ngezi Platinum
- Junior Chigumbu – Houtbay United
- Ethan Sutherland – Exeter City
- Garie Jr Brendon Chibika – Chicken Inn
Head coach: Marc Sanchez
Bigger Prize: Egypt 2027 And Los Angeles 2028
The Mali encounter is part of the qualification pathway to the 2027 U23 AFCON finals in Egypt.
The tournament also carries Olympic significance, with Africa’s representatives for the men’s football competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games to emerge through the U23 AFCON qualification process.
Zimbabwe will need to negotiate the Mali hurdle to remain in contention for a place at the continental finals.
For Sanchez, the assignment is also an opportunity to continue developing a generation of players who could eventually strengthen the senior Warriors.
The Young Warriors will be hoping to combine their promising performances against Mauritius with greater consistency against a more challenging opponent.
Zimbabwe’s emerging talent now has another opportunity to demonstrate its potential on the continental stage.
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