Zimbabwe national football team

This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Zimbabwe women's national football team.

Zimbabwe

Nickname	The Warriors
Association	Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA)
Confederation	CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation	COSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coach	Ramon Catala
Captain	Marvelous Nakamba
Most caps	Peter Ndlovu (81)
Top scorer	Peter Ndlovu (37)
Home stadium	National Sports Stadium
FIFA code	ZIM
First colours Second colours Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current	129 1 (7 October 2026)
Highest	39 (April 1994)
Lowest	131 (October 2009, February–March 2016)
First international
Southern Rhodesia 0–4 Northern Rhodesia (Southern Rhodesia; Date Unknown, 1946) Post-independence Rhodesia 1–0 Malawi (Rhodesia; 12 November 1967)
Biggest win
Botswana 0–7 Zimbabwe (Gaborone, Botswana; 26 August 1990)
Biggest defeat
South Africa 7–0 Rhodesia (South Africa; 9 April 1977)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances	6 (first in 2004)
Best result	Group stage (2004, 2006, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2025)
African Nations Championship
Appearances	5 (first in 2009)
Best result	Fourth place (2014)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances	20 (first in 1997)
Best result	Champions (2000, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2017, 2018)
Medal record COSAFA Cup 2000 Southern Africa Team 2003 Southern Africa Team 2005 Southern Africa Team 2009 Zimbabwe Team 2017 South Africa Team 2018 South Africa Team 1998 Southern Africa Team 2001 Southern Africa Team 2013 Zambia Team 2004 Southern Africa Team 2006 Southern Africa Team 2019 South Africa Team CECAFA Cup 1985 Zimbabwe Team 1983 Kenya Team 1987 Ethiopia Team 1982 Uganda Team

2009 Image of Zimbabwe national football team

The Zimbabwe national football team (Shona: Chikwata chenhabvu chenyika yeZimbabwe), nicknamed The Warriors, represents Zimbabwe in men's international football and is controlled by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), formerly known as the Football Association of Rhodesia. The team has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals, but has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations six times. Zimbabwe has also won the COSAFA Cup six times. The team represents both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

History

Zimbabwe played their first official match against the England Amateur national football team as part of the latter's tour of South Africa and Rhodesia in June 1929. Zimbabwe lost their first two matches against England 4–0 and 6–1, respectively. In 1965, following Southern Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence as Rhodesia, FIFA requested that the Football Association of Rhodesia reform to be a multi-racial organisation. Prior to this, only white Rhodesians were selected for the national football team but after 1965 the team became multi-racial. In 1969, Rhodesia took part in the Oceanic 1970 FIFA World Cup qualification tournament. This was their first attempt to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Contrary to the team being viewed as the representative team of white Rhodesians, the team was multi-racial including black players. They were drawn against the Australia national football team. Both legs were held in Lourenço Marques, Portuguese Mozambique as the Rhodesian team were unable to get Australian visas. Rhodesia drew the first leg 1–1 but lost the second leg 3–1 thus eliminating Rhodesia from qualification.

In 1980, following the country's reconstitution as Zimbabwe, they played their first FIFA World Cup qualifying match for 11 years against the Cameroon national football team. However they lost 2–1 on aggregate after a 1–0 win in the first leg in Salisbury and a 2–0 loss in the second leg. Following this, the country passed a law that people who held British passports would not be permitted to hold a Zimbabwean passport, which mean that players such as goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, who is considered to be Zimbabwe's greatest goalkeeper,were not selected for the national team for 10 years. Following a change in policy that allowed Grobbelaar to play for Zimbabwe, who entered the country on his British passport, Zimbabwe under manager Reinhard Fabisch were one match away from qualifying for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. However, they lost their final qualifying match to Cameroon.

In 2004, Zimbabwe qualified for their first Africa Cup of Nations. During their first match against Egypt, their former anthem "Ishe Komborera Africa" was accidentally played instead of "Simudzai Mureza wedu weZimbabwe", an act which Information Minister Jonathan Moyo called "a cheap attempt by the organisers to demoralise our boys".

In 2015, the Zimbabwe national football team were banned from participating in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying due to an unpaid debt to former coach, José Claudinei. At the time, the team was experiencing its strongest period for many years, qualifying for both the 2017 and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

On 1 March 2022, Zimbabwe, along with Kenya, was suspended again from international sport due to the interference of the government. Earlier in November 2021, Harare and Nairobi dissolved their federations and were replaced with government-officials. On 31 March, the suspension was made indefinitely and was ratified by FIFA. Suspension is set until Zimbabwe and Kenya meet the demands given by FIFA. The team has produced some of the finest footballers the likes of the legendary Peter Ndlovu who played for Zimbabwe 100 times. He featured in the English premier for Coventry City, Birmingham City, Sheffield United and Huddersfield. Peter Ndlovu is well remembered for the hatrick he scored at Anfield against Liverpool, Bruce Grobelaar former Liverpool Goalkeeper, Norman Mapeza former Galatasary defender, Benjan Mwaruwaru former Man city player. Knowledge Musona former Anderletch and Bundesliga player. Khama Billiat former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs player.

Kit provider

Kit provider	Period
L-Sporto	2004–2005
Legea	2006–2009
Puma	2010–2012
Umbro	2013–2014
Joma	2015–2016
Mafro	2017–2018
Umbro	2019–2022
Puma	2023–2025

Results and fixtures

Main article: Zimbabwe national football team results (2020–present)

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2025

Lesotho v Zimbabwe

13 October 2026 World Cup qualification	Lesotho	1–0	Zimbabwe	Polokwane, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2	Kalake 90+3'	Report		Stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium Attendance: 3,500 Referee: Tsegay Mogos Teklu (Eritrea)

Algeria v Zimbabwe

13 November Friendly	Algeria	3–1	Zimbabwe	Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
19:30 UTC+3	Bounedjah 14' Amoura 41' Hadjam 45+1'	Report	Chirewa 88' (pen.)	Stadium: Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium Referee: Abdullah Dhafer Al Shehri (Saudi Arabia)

Qatar v Zimbabwe

17 November Friendly	Qatar	1–2	Zimbabwe	Doha, Qatar
19:30 UTC+3	Gouda 9'	Report	Garananga 24' Antonio 74'	Stadium: Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium Referee: Mohamed Ebrahim Saad (Bahrain)

Egypt v Zimbabwe

22 December 2025 AFCON Group B	Egypt	2–1	Zimbabwe	Agadir, Morocco
21:00 UTC+1	Marmoush 64' Salah 90+1'	Report	Dube 20'	Stadium: Adrar Stadium Referee: Issa Sy (Senegal)

Angola v Zimbabwe

26 December 2025 AFCON Group B	Angola	1–1	Zimbabwe	Marrakesh, Morocco
13:30 UTC+1	Dala 24'	Report	Musona 45+6'	Stadium: Marrakesh Stadium Referee: Peter Waweru (Kenya)

Zimbabwe v South Africa

29 December 2025 AFCON Group B	Zimbabwe	2–3	South Africa	Marrakesh, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1	Maswanhise 19' Modiba 73' (o.g.)	Report	Moremi 7' Foster 50' Appollis 82' (pen.)	Stadium: Marrakesh Stadium Referee: Mustapha Kech Chaf (Morocco)

2026

Botswana v Zimbabwe

28 March 2026 Four Nations Tournament semi-final	Botswana	0–3	Zimbabwe	Francistown, Botswana
18:00 UTC+2		Report	Tshuma 24' Bonne 33' Antonio 45'	Stadium: Obed Itani Chilume Stadium Referee: Chanshi Kasongo (Zambia)

Zambia v Zimbabwe

31 March 2026 Four Nations Tournament Final	Zambia	0–1	Zimbabwe	Francistown, Botswana
17:00 UTC+2		Report	Kafunti (o.g.)	Stadium: Obed Itani Chilume Stadium Referee: Moemedi Thabologang(Botswana)

Nigeria v Zimbabwe

26 May 2026 Unity Cup	Nigeria	2–0	Zimbabwe	London, England
19:30 UTC+1	Azeez 4', 62'	Report		Stadium: The Valley Referee: John Brooks (England)

Zimbabwe v India

30 May 2026 Unity Cup	Zimbabwe	1–0	India	London, England
14:30 UTC+1	Dube 34' (pen.)	Report		Stadium: The Valley Referee: Andrew Madley (England)

Sierra Leone v Zimbabwe

24 September 2027 AFCON qualification	Sierra Leone	2–3	Zimbabwe	El Jadida, Morocco
19:00 UTC+0	Conteh 7' Tarawallie 27'	Report	Munetsi 72', 89' Chirewa 77'	Stadium: Ben M'Hamed El Abdi Stadium Referee: Lucky Razake Kasalirwe (Uganda)

Zimbabwe v DR Congo

28 September 2027 AFCON qualification	Zimbabwe	1–2	DR Congo	Harare, Zimbabwe
18:00 UTC+2	Munetsi 90+3'	Report	Wissa 30' Moutoussamy 45+2'	Stadium: National Sports Stadium Referee: Amin Omar (Egypt)

Equatorial Guinea v Zimbabwe

11 November 2027 AFCON qualification	Equatorial Guinea	v	Zimbabwe	TBD, Equatorial Guinea
TBD				Stadium: TBD

Zimbabwe v Equatorial Guinea

15 November 2027 AFCON qualification	Zimbabwe	v	Equatorial Guinea	TBD, Zimbabwe
TBD				Stadium: TBD

2027

Zimbabwe v Sierra Leone

24 March 2027 AFCON qualification	Zimbabwe	v	Sierra Leone	TBD, Zimbabwe
TBD				Stadium: TBD

DR Congo v Zimbabwe

28 March 2027 AFCON qualification	DR Congo	v	Zimbabwe	TBD, DR Congo
TBD				Stadium: TBD

Coaching history

Bruce Grobbelaar played for Zimbabwe and managed Zimbabwe

Caretaker managers are listed in italics.

• Danny McLennan (1965–1969)
• Bill Asprey (1975–1977)
• John Rugg (1980–1981)
• Shepherd Murape (1981–1983)
• Mick Poole (1985)
• Ben Koufie (1988–1992)
• Reinhard Fabisch (1992–1995)
• Rudi Gutendorf (1995–1996)
• Bruce Grobbelaar (1996)
• Ian Porterfield (1996–1997)
• Sunday Chidzambwa (1997)
• Bruce Grobbelaar (1997)
• Roy Barreto (1997–1998)
• Bruce Grobbelaar (1998)
• Clemens Westerhof (1998–2000)
• Misheck Chidzambwa (2000)
• Sunday Chidzambwa (2000–2002)
• Wiesław Grabowski (2002)
• Sunday Chidzambwa (2003–2004)
• Rahman Gumbo (2004)
• Charles Mhlauri (2004–2007)
• Sunday Chidzambwa (2007)
• Norman Mapeza (2007)
• Luke Masomore (2007–2008)
• José Claudinei (2008)
• Sunday Chidzambwa (2008–2009)
• Norman Mapeza (2009–2010)
• Tom Saintfiet (2010)
• Madinda Ndlovu (2010–2011)
• Norman Mapeza (2011–2012)
• Rahman Gumbo (2012)
• Klaus Dieter Pagels (2012–2013)
• Ian Gorowa (2013–2014)
• Callisto Pasuwa (2015–2017)
• Wilson Mutekede (2017)
• Sunday Chidzambwa (2017–2019)
• Joey Antipas (2019–2020)
• Zdravko Logarušić (2020–2021)
• Norman Mapeza (2021–2022)
• Wilson Mutekede (2022)
• Shepherd Murape (2022–2023)
• Sunday Chidzambwa (2023)
• Baltemar Brito (2023–2024)
• Norman Mapeza (2024)
• Jairos Tapera (2024)
• Michael Nees (2024–2025)
• Mario Marinică (2025–2026)
• Kaitano Tembo (2026–2026)
• Ramon Catala (2026–)

Players

Current squad

The following players were called-up for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches against Sierra Leone and DR Congo on 24 and 28 September 2026, respectively.

Caps and goals are correct as of 28 September 2026, after the match against DR Congo.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1	1GK	Elvis Chipezeze	(1990-03-11) 11 March 1990	14	0	Magesi
16	1GK	Martin Mapisa	(1998-05-25) 25 May 1998	2	0	Hardrock
22	1GK	Nelson Chadya	(1997-04-05) 5 April 1997	1	0	Scottland
2	2DF	Shane Maroodza	(2004-05-18) 18 May 2004	6	0	Sarajevo
3	2DF	Peter Muduhwa	(1993-08-11) 11 August 1993	11	0	Scottland
4	2DF	Munashe Garananga	(2001-01-18) 18 January 2001	22	1	Lyngby
5	2DF	Divine Lunga	(1995-05-28) 28 May 1995	30	0	Mamelodi Sundowns
12	2DF	Corbin Mthunzi	(2007-05-07) 7 May 2007	4	0	Ipswich Town
15	2DF	Sean Fusire	(2005-05-31) 31 May 2005	8	0	Sheffield Wednesday
21	2DF	Kevin Moyo	(1993-04-03) 3 April 1993	8	0	Scottland
23	2DF	Emmanuel Jalai	(1999-01-06) 6 January 1999	18	0	Scottland
	2DF	Isaac Mabaya	(2004-09-22) 22 September 2004	0	0	Liverpool
6	3MF	Prosper Padera	(2006-10-09) 9 October 2006	4	0	SJK
8	3MF	Marshall Munetsi	(1996-06-22) 22 June 1996	38	5	Wolverhampton Wanderers
10	3MF	Andy Rinomhota	(1997-04-21) 21 April 1997	15	0	Reading
17	3MF	Abubakar Moffat	(1998-01-18) 18 January 1998	2	0	Scottland
18	3MF	Marvelous Nakamba	(1994-01-19) 19 January 1994	41	0	Panetolikos
9	4FW	Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya	(2002-12-19) 19 December 2002	3	0	AmaZulu
13	4FW	Daniel Msendami	(2000-10-24) 24 October 2000	15	0	Orlando Pirates
14	4FW	Bill Antonio	(2002-09-03) 3 September 2002	15	2	Mechelen
19	4FW	Tawanda Maswanhise	(2002-11-20) 20 November 2002	19	2	Motherwell
20	4FW	Tawanda Chirewa	(2003-10-11) 11 October 2003	18	4	Wolverhampton Wanderers
24	4FW	Leeroy Mavunga	(1998-12-06) 6 December 1998	5	0	Dynamos
	4FW	Tino Kadewere	(1996-01-05) 5 January 1996	21	1	Aris Thessaloniki
	4FW	Prince Dube	(1997-02-17) 17 February 1997	12	7	Hardrock

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up for Zimbabwe in the last 12 months.

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club	Latest call-up
GK	Marley Tavaziva	(2004-12-17) 17 December 2004	1	0	Free agent	v. Sierra Leone, 25 September 2026 PRE
GK	Future Sibanda	(1996-07-06) 6 July 1996	1	0	ZPC Kariba	v. India, 30 May 2026
GK	Washington Arubi	(1985-08-29) 29 August 1985	33	0	Marumo Gallants	2025 Africa Cup of Nations
DF	Jordan Zemura	(1999-11-14) 14 November 1999	23	0	Watford	v. Sierra Leone, 25 September 2026 PRE
DF	Brendan Galloway	(1996-03-17) 17 March 1996	9	0	Free agent	v. Sierra Leone, 25 September 2026 PRE
DF	Gerald Takwara	(1994-10-29) 29 October 1994	38	1	Al Ittihad	v. India, 30 May 2026
DF	Godknows Murwira	(1993-07-04) 4 July 1993	19	0	Scottland	v. India, 30 May 2026
DF	Isheanesu Mauchi	(2002-11-28) 28 November 2002	4	0	Chippa United	v. India, 30 May 2026
DF	Teenage Hadebe	(1995-09-17) 17 September 1995	33	4	Cincinnati	2026 Four Nations Tournament
DF	Andrew Mbeba	(2000-02-19) 19 February 2000	5	0	Highlanders	2026 Four Nations Tournament
DF	Alec Mudimu	(1995-04-08) 8 April 1995	26	0	Flint Town United	2025 Africa Cup of Nations
MF	Knowledge Musona	(1990-06-21) 21 June 1990	54	27	Scottland	v. Sierra Leone, 25 September 2026 PRE
MF	Mongameli Tshuma	(2001-07-22) 22 July 2001	4	1	Highlanders	v. Sierra Leone, 25 September 2026 PRE
MF	Jonah Fabisch	(2001-08-13) 13 August 2001	11	0	Lamontville Golden Arrows	v. India, 30 May 2026
MF	Panashe Makwiramiti	(2002-07-01) 1 July 2002	1	0	Haverfordwest County	2026 Four Nations Tournament
MF	Tapuwanashe Chakuchichi	(2003-11-28) 28 November 2003	1	0	San Fernando	2025 Africa Cup of Nations
FW	Ishmael Wadi	(1992-12-19) 19 December 1992	7	1	CAPS United	v. Sierra Leone, 25 September 2026 PRE
FW	Junior Zindoga	(1998-07-28) 28 July 1998	3	0	TS Galaxy	v. Sierra Leone, 25 September 2026 PRE
FW	Washington Navaya	(1998-04-29) 29 April 1998	5	0	Hardrock	v. India, 30 May 2026
FW	Macauley Bonne	(1995-10-26) 26 October 1995	7	2	Billericay Town	2026 Four Nations Tournament
FW	Walter Musona	(1995-12-12) 12 December 1995	20	4	Scottland	v. Qatar, 16 November 2025
FW	Tymon Machope	(1993-07-03) 3 July 1993	1	0	TelOne	v. Qatar, 16 November 2025
FW	Khama Billiat	(1990-08-19) 19 August 1990	61	18	Scottland	v. Lesotho, 13 October 2025
FW	Terrence Dzvukamanja	(1994-05-05) 5 May 1994	26	1	Scottland	v. Lesotho, 13 October 2025
DEC Player refused to join the team after the call-up. INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury. PRE Preliminary squad. RET Player has retired from international football. SUS Suspended from the national team, red or yellow cards.

Records

As of 29 December 2025

Players in bold are still active with Zimbabwe.

Most appearances

Rank	Player	Caps	Goals	Career
1	Peter Ndlovu	81	37	1990–2007
2	Adam Ndlovu	74	26	1990–2004
3	Francis Shonhayi	70	1	1989–1998
4	John Phiri	67	3	1983–1995
5	Khama Billiat	63	18	2011–present
	Dumisani Mpofu	63	0	1996–2006
7	Japhet Mparutsa	62	0	1981–1995
	Stanley Ndunduma	62	9	1981–1989
	Esrom Nyandoro	62	4	2001–2012
10	Knowledge Musona	58	27	2010–present

Top goalscorers

Rank	Player	Goals	Caps	Ratio	Career
1	Peter Ndlovu	37	81	0.46	1991–2007
2	Knowledge Musona	27	58	0.47	2010–present
3	Adam Ndlovu	26	74	0.35	1992–2004
4	Agent Sawu	21	47	0.45	1990–2004
5	Khama Billiat	18	63	0.29	2011–present
6	Vitalis Takawira	13	40	0.33	1992–1998
7	Shacky Tauro	11	45	0.24	1980–1989
8	Luke Jukulile	10	15	0.67	2000–2001
	Benjani Mwaruwari	10	44	0.23	1999–2010
10	Prince Dube	9	29	0.31	2017–present
	Cuthbert Malajila	9	31	0.29	2008–2017
	Stanley Ndunduma	9	62	0.15	1981–1989

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record										Qualification record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA		Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1930 to 1962	Part of United Kingdom									Part of United Kingdom
as Rhodesia										as Rhodesia
1966	Did not enter									Did not enter
1970	Did not qualify from Asia/Oceania zone									3	0	2	1	2	4
1974	Did not enter									Did not enter
1978
as Zimbabwe										as Zimbabwe
1982	Did not qualify from African zone									2	1	0	1	1	2
1986										2	0	1	1	1	2
1990										4	0	1	3	1	10
1994										10	6	2	2	11	10
1998										8	2	2	4	10	10
2002										8	6	0	2	11	6
2006										12	5	3	4	17	16
2010										6	1	3	2	4	6
2014										6	0	2	4	4	9
2018	Expelled from qualifying competition									Expelled from qualifying competition
2022	Did not qualify from African zone									8	1	2	5	5	9
2026										10	0	5	5	5	12
2030	To be determined									To be determined
2034
Total	—	0/15	—	—	—	—	—	—		79	22	23	34	72	96

Africa Cup of Nations

Africa Cup of Nations record
Appearances: 6
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1957 to 1980	Not affiliated to CAF
1982 to 2002	Did not qualify
2004	Group stage	14th	3	1	0	2	6	8
2006		13th	3	1	0	2	2	5
2008 to 2015	Did not qualify
2017	Group stage	14th	3	0	1	2	4	8
2019		21st	3	0	1	2	1	6
2021		17th	3	1	0	2	3	4
2023	Disqualified due to FIFA suspension
2025	Group stage	20th	3	0	1	2	4	6
2027	To be determined
2029
Total	Group stage	6/35	18	3	3	12	20	37

African Nations Championship

African Nations Championship record
Appearances: 5
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
2009	Group stage	6th	3	0	3	0	3	3
2011		11th	3	1	0	2	2	3
2014	Fourth place	4th	6	2	3	1	3	2
2016	Group stage	13th	3	0	1	2	1	3
2018	Did not qualify
2020	Group stage	16th	3	0	0	3	1	5
2022	Did not qualify
Total	Fourth place	5/7	18	3	7	8	10	16

African Games

African Games record
Year	Result	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1965–1987	Did not enter
1991–present	See Zimbabwe national under-23 football team
Total	4/4	0	0	0	0	0	0

COSAFA Cup

• 1997 – Qualifying round
• 1998 – Second place
• 1999 – Quarter-finals
• 2000 – Winners
• 2001 – Second place
• 2002 – Quarter-finals
• 2003 – Winners
• 2004 – Semi-finals
• 2005 – Winners
• 2006 – Semi-finals
• 2007 – First round
• 2008 – Quarter-finals
• 2009 – Winners
• 2010 – Cancelled
• 2013 – Second place
• 2015 – Group stage
• 2016 – Group stage
• 2017 – Winners
• 2018 – Winners
• 2019 – Third place
• 2020 – Cancelled
• 2021 – Group stage

CECAFA Cup

• 1981 – Group stage
• 1982 – Third place
• 1983 – Second place
• 1984 – Group stage
• 1985 – Winners
• 1987 – Second place
• 1988 – Fourth place
• 1989 – Group stage
• 1990 – Group stage
• 2009 – Quarter-finals
• 2011 – Quarter-finals

Honours

Intercontinental

• Afro-Asian Games
  • Bronze Medal (1): 2003

Regional

• COSAFA Cup
  • Champions (6): 2000, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2017, 2018
  • Runners-up (3): 1998, 2001, 2013
  • Third place (1): 2019
• CECAFA Cup
  • Champions (1): 1985
  • Runners-up (2): 1983, 1987
  • Third place (1): 1982

External links

• Zimbabwe Football Association at CAF online
• Zimbabwe Football Association at FIFA