Warriors Settle in Morocco as AFCON Countdown Begins

Zimbabwe’s senior men’s national football team has arrived in Morocco to begin final preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which gets underway on Sunday, December 21.

The Warriors left Harare on Tuesday night and transited through Qatar before landing in Casablanca, where they will conduct training sessions ahead of their Group B opening match against Egypt.

Off the pitch, the team has received a significant boost after Pan-African banking group Ecobank confirmed its sponsorship of Zimbabwe’s AFCON campaign, with the partnership expected to extend beyond the continental tournament.

Ecobank senior executive Mike Dengwane said the sponsorship reflects a broader ambition to elevate Zimbabwe’s profile on African football’s biggest stage.

“Our goal is to make Zimbabwe respected and competitive at the highest level. This is not about participation, but about performance and achievement. We want to see Zimbabwe standing alongside established football nations such as Morocco, Egypt and Ghana. This partnership goes beyond AFCON; it is about rebuilding structures, supporting the national team and creating a sustainable football environment for supporters,” Dengwane said.

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) welcomed the development, noting the importance of corporate backing in the revival of the national game.

ZIFA vice-president Loveness Mukura said the sponsorship demonstrates growing confidence in Zimbabwean football.

“We appreciate the support coming from both government and the corporate sector. Ecobank’s contribution is vital, not only for the AFCON campaign but also for the long-term growth of the Warriors,” Mukura said.

After years marked by instability and administrative challenges, Zimbabwean football is beginning to regain corporate interest, particularly at national team level.