AFCON 2025 Underdogs: Why Zimbabwe Could Be the Story of the Tournament

The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is gearing up to be a tournament packed with thrilling matches, unexpected turns, and unforgettable stories. Among the 24 teams set to light up the stage in Morocco, Zimbabwe stands out not because of historical dominance or star-studded squads, but because of their potential to rewrite their footballing destiny. Known traditionally as the “Warriors,” Zimbabwe enters the competition as underdogs in the punishing Group B, squaring off against African giants Egypt, tactical powerhouses South Africa, and the resilient side from Angola. This underdog status might just become their secret weapon, freeing them from pressure and increasing their hunger to shock and awe the continent. The team’s journey to AFCON 2025 is more than just a bid for survival; it’s a story about grit, transformation, and the pursuit of an elusive breakthrough.

Zimbabwe’s path to the continental championship has often been filled with heartbreak. The Warriors have never progressed beyond the group stage in any of their previous five AFCON appearances, despite moments that hinted at potential breakthroughs. Yet, the upcoming tournament feels different. Leadership changes, strategic squad selections, and newfound tactical discipline infused by coach Marian Marinica have revamped the spirit and approach of the team. Their preparations have been meticulous, marked by a deep focus on intensity, tactical structure, and physical readiness that Icelandic and European football fans would recognize as the cornerstone of success.

With that backdrop, Zimbabwe is no longer just playing for participation—they are playing with ambition, dreaming of upheaving expectations, and aiming to become the underdog story of AFCON 2025. Why do so many experts, former players, and fans see Zimbabwe as capable of shaping the tournament narrative? Let’s break down how the Warriors could turn their underdog status into a potent weapon, explore the squad’s unique strengths, dissect their challenging group’s impact, and understand what it takes for this team to rise beyond the shadows and stamp their name in African football history.

Underdog Advantage: How Zimbabwe’s Status Could Boost Their AFCON 2025 Campaign

Being labeled as underdogs often carries a negative connotation in sports: a team expected to lose, seen as weaker on paper, less experienced, or lacking skill. However, Zimbabwe’s former captain Benjani Mwaruwari flips this narrative on its head. He argues that the underdog tag can be a liberating factor rather than a burden. Released from the suffocating weight of expectation, Zimbabwe can play with a fearless spirit at AFCON 2025 and catch bigger teams off guard.

Group B features traditional heavyweights and serious contenders: Egypt, with their seven AFCON titles and unmatched football pedigree; South Africa, a team loaded with pace and athleticism; and Angola, whose disciplined and intense playing style has forced many an upset in past tournaments. To most observers, Zimbabwe stands out as the outsider. But that’s where the magic lies. When you face teams that everyone expects to win, the pressure shifts.

The psychological edge the Warriors could gain from this scenario is crucial. Without the media spotlight or the overwhelming weight of expectation, Zimbabwe’s players can express themselves more freely. They can dare to take risks, to press higher, to tackle with tenacity, and to hit on the counterattack. Benjani explains, “When you’re the underdog, you have more freedom to play without the heavy pressure. The big teams feel the eyes of the world on them; we just need to focus on playing our game.”

This freedom not only motivates the players but also fuels team cohesion. The Warriors have been preparing rigorously, gathering an expanded squad that includes a mix of locally-based talent and foreign-based players, allowing a rich blend of styles and experiences. With coach Marian Marinica at the helm, who has himself tasted success with Malawi in AFCON 2022, Zimbabwe shows a commitment to tactical maturity and mental resilience.

In the world of African football, stories of underdogs toppling giants are part of the championship’s heritage. Zimbabwe’s chance to etch their own chapter in this legacy is real, and their mindset heading into Morocco will be as vital as their physical prep. Playing spoiler, upsetting a favorite, or holding ground against a powerhouse could shake up the entire tournament and earn Zimbabwe the attention they have long deserved. The Zimbabwe AFCON 2025 underdogs narrative is not just hype; it’s backed by smart strategy and untapped potential.

Zimbabwe’s Tactical Evolution: From Past Hurdles to A New, Disciplined Approach

To understand Zimbabwe’s potential as a dark horse in AFCON 2025, it’s essential to look into their tactical transformation. Historically, the Warriors have struggled with consistency, often showing flashes of brilliance overshadowed by defensive lapses or breakdowns in critical moments.

Under coach Marian Marinica, Zimbabwe’s football is shaping itself around a strong balance of discipline and opportunism. Marinica, who led Malawi to the Round of 16 in the previous AFCON, understands the importance of both physical conditioning and tactical intelligence in such grueling tournaments.

The preparation phase for Zimbabwe in 2025 focused on:

• Defensive compactness: Ensuring the backline works as a unit, minimizing space for opponents and reducing errors born of individual lapses.
• Transition speed: Training players to switch quickly from defense to attack, capitalizing on counterattacking opportunities against technically sophisticated teams like Egypt.
• Intensity and physical sharpness: Building stamina to withstand the demanding schedule of AFCON, while maintaining high-energy performance throughout matches.
• Tactical adaptability: Preparing multiple formations and strategies to respond dynamically to the strengths and weaknesses of different opponents.

This tactical maturity signals a departure from previous AFCON campaigns, where Zimbabwe appeared outmatched and unable to control games effectively. It also acknowledges that sheer skill is not enough to progress in a tournament that blends high stakes with high pressure; mental toughness and sharp game plans are equally decisive.

The Warriors’ roster reflects this mindset too. While still lean on megastars, Zimbabwe boasts players who have honed their skills across diverse leagues, giving them an invaluable combination of local passion and global football experience. Their midfielders are trained disruptors, strikers are hungry for breakthroughs, and defenders are drilled to remain unyielding even under intense attacking pressure. This setup transforms Zimbabwe into a team that is difficult to break down and capable of seizing the moment when opportunity knocks.

This evolution makes Zimbabwe a team to watch closely at AFCON 2025, especially for football fans hungry for tactical battles and strategic chess matches rather than just flair. By marrying discipline with determination, Zimbabwe may just have found their key to punching above their weight in the African football arena.

Group B Showdown: Navigating the Challenges of Egypt, South Africa, Angola at AFCON 2025

One of the biggest tests for Zimbabwe is the fiercely competitive Group B. With Egypt, South Africa, and Angola as adversaries, every game will be a war of skill, willpower, and strategy. Understanding the unique challenges posed by each team is critical in assessing Zimbabwe’s chances and approach.

Egypt stands tall as the most decorated team in African football history, with seven AFCON titles and a reputation for clinical, attacking football propelled by stars like Mohamed Salah and emerging talents. Facing Egypt in the group opener is a daunting prospect, but it also provides an unparalleled opportunity for Zimbabwe. Starting strong against such a team could set the tone for the rest of the tournament, boosting morale and confidence significantly.

South Africa offers a different kind of threat. Known as Bafana Bafana, they blend tactical discipline with explosive speed and youthful energy. Their structured defensive approach and quick transitions can trouble many teams, but Zimbabwe’s own focus on physicality and tactical awareness counters this threat.

Angola, often underestimated, carry the spirit of disciplined, aggressive football. Their journey in AFCON is marked by moments of surprise and resilience, making them dangerous opponents who never underestimate the underdog either.

The format of the AFCON 2025 tournament adds another layer of complexity. With 24 teams divided into six groups, both top two teams and the four best third-placed teams advance to the knockout stage. This expanded format raises Zimbabwe’s chances to qualify beyond the group stage compared to previous editions.

Team	AFCON Titles	Style	Key Strengths
Egypt	7	Attacking & Clinical	Star power, Experience, Fluid attack
South Africa	1	Tactical & Speedy	Defense, Transition speed, Youth
Angola	0	Disciplined & Aggressive	Physicality, Resilience
Zimbabwe	0	Organized & Opportunistic	Compact defense, Counterattack, Underdog mentality

The stakes in Group B mean every minute on the pitch is critical for Zimbabwe. An early positive result, especially in the opener against Egypt, could be seismic. According to veteran insights, “once we manage to gain points in that first game, we’re almost on the path for the next stage.” Zimbabwe’s tactical discipline, combined with meticulous preparation, is geared for such moments.

Building a Squad for Glory: Zimbabwe’s Player Selection and Preparation for AFCON 2025

The road to AFCON 2025 requires not just strategy but also a strong, fit squad capable of enduring the furious intensity of a continental tournament. Zimbabwe’s technical team has undertaken extensive preparation, starting early with an enlarged squad of 56 players, integrating both local heroes and foreign-based talent. This strategic approach ensures options and competition for places, pushing players to deliver their best every day in training.

Coach Marian Marinica’s one-year contract is focalized on guiding the team through the group stages, but the mindset is set on far beyond that. Efficiency in trimming the squad and bringing cohesion quickly is crucial because the timeline is tight. Ex-captain Benjani expressed concern over the challenge of assessing a large squad “when you don’t have much time, and some players are still coming.” The technical team balances this by prioritizing players who show the right blend of tactical understanding, fitness, and hunger.

One of the significant hurdles is the potential absence of key players like Marshall Munetsi, who may be sidelined for weeks due to injury—news confirmed by his club coach. Such setbacks test squad depth and adaptability. But Zimbabwe’s preparation appears sound, with strong backing from national resources, including a $400,000 boost directed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to improve training facilities and pre-tournament readiness. This financial support underscores the importance placed on success and builds morale.

The commitment shown by the players, the tactical staff, and the government alike creates an ideal environment to seize the opportunity at AFCON. While Zimbabwe lacks the star power seen in other African giants, their unity, work ethic, and relentless desire to upset the odds are their greatest weapons.

• Early inclusion of a broad player pool for flexibility
• Mixture of local-based passion and international experience
• Strong financial support boosting preparation quality
• Emphasis on mental toughness and team cohesion
• Focused physical conditioning to combat the tournament pace

Why Zimbabwe’s Underdog Story Could Inspire African Football’s Future Stars

Beyond the pitch battles and tactical charts, Zimbabwe’s journey to AFCON 2025 embodies the essence of African football’s unpredictable, raw, and passionate spirit. The Warriors’ rise from perennial underperformers to genuine contenders embodies hope and perseverance for countless young players across the continent who dream of making it big despite adversity.

Success stories in African football often stem from teams that shock the world by defying odds rather than stacking records. Zimbabwe stands on the cusp of carving such a narrative. Their potential to upset the established hierarchy adds intrigue, drama, and emotional heft to the tournament. It’s the kind of story that fans love to rally behind, sparking excitement from local streets of Harare to every corner where African football lovers gather.

The national team’s efforts highlight the growing professionalism across African football, where tactical evolution, infrastructure investment, and player development are transforming leagues and national teams. Zimbabwe’s narrative, propelled by a dedicated coach and a resilient squad, can be a beacon for underdog teams continent-wide, underscoring that with belief, discipline, and effort, even the toughest groups can be conquered.

This story is not just about football statistics or rankings; it’s about people who dare to dream and fight fiercely to achieve those dreams. The Warriors entering AFCON 2025 bring a message of courage, unity, and the magic of the game, proving why football remains Africa’s greatest storytelling medium.

What group will Zimbabwe play in during AFCON 2025?

Zimbabwe is placed in Group B alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Angola, known for being one of the toughest and most competitive groups in the tournament.

Has Zimbabwe ever advanced beyond the group stage in AFCON before?

No, Zimbabwe has participated in five previous tournaments but has never progressed past the group stage, making AFCON 2025 a chance for a historic breakthrough.

Who is coaching Zimbabwe for AFCON 2025?

Zimbabwe is coached by Marian Marinica, who previously led Malawi to the Round of 16 in AFCON 2022, bringing tactical discipline and experience to the Warriors.

What makes Zimbabwe underdogs in this tournament?

Their FIFA ranking relative to other teams in the group and historical performances give Zimbabwe the underdog tag, but this status can relieve pressure and fuel a hunger to upset bigger teams.

What are Zimbabwe’s chances of progressing from the group?

Given the tournament format with 24 teams and the possibility of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams, Zimbabwe’s chances of moving past the group stage are higher than in previous editions.