Zimbabwe confirm Young Warriors squad for Mali in U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Zimbabwe Under-23 head coach Marc Sanchez has named the final Young Warriors squad for their Africa Cup of Nations U23 qualifying ties against Mali on 11 and 17 November.

The selection includes players based in Zimbabwe and abroad, with representatives from clubs in England, Australia, Finland and South Africa included in the 23-man group.

Goalkeepers

Tatenda Chikowero of Ngezi Platinum, Manica Diamonds goalkeeper Joseph Kaunda and Jayden Garthwaite of Aston Villa have been selected.

Defenders

The defensive options are Allan Chapinduka (Telone FC), Takudzwa Gwanzura (Norwich), Jayden Munikwa (Norwich), Dylan Tawodzera (Huddersfield), Richard Nkomo (South Melbourne), Kristian Clark (Nottingham Forest), Nisbert Muzenda (Ngezi Platinum) and Ethan Sutherland (Exeter City).

Midfielders

Sanchez has chosen Prosper Padera of SJK Seinajoki, along with Norwich’s Miles Bracking, Seth Chingwaro of Fulham and Tinashe Manyumba of Leicester City.

The midfield is completed by Menzi Mazwi (Birmingham), Junior Chigumbu (Houtbay United) and Garie Jr Brendon Chibika (Chicken Inn).

Forwards

The attacking group features Elisha Pfupa of Portsmouth, David Chigwada of Brentford, Vernon Masara of Peterborough, Reece Evans of Reading and Ngezi Platinum forward Tanaka Munemo.

The squad will represent the Young Warriors in the two-match qualifying contest against Mali, with the fixtures taking place on 11 and 17 November.