This archive report was first published on 29 December 2021.
On November 11, 2021, Zimbabwe coach Norman Mapeza named his final 23-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon, but several key players will miss the tournament due to injury or retirement.
Among those missing out are Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Tawanda Maswanhise of Leicester City, Reims midfielder Marshal Munetsi, and Wigan Athletic's Tendayi Darikwa, all due to injury.
Leading forward Khama Billiat, who plays for Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa, announced his international retirement last month, and despite Mapeza's hopes that he might change his mind, Billiat has not been included in the final selection.
The squad will be led by striker Knowledge Musona and includes Lyon forward Tinotenda Kadewere and defender Teenage Hadebe, who plays in Major League Soccer with Houston Dynamo.
Left-back Jordan Zemura from English Championship side Bournemouth had been an injury doubt but has been included, along with Leicester-born forward Admiral Muskwe, who plays for Luton Town.
There is also a recall for former Celtic midfielder Kundai Benyu, who now plies his trade in Iceland and last played for the national team in 2017.
