Johnson Progress

Zimbabwe open their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Sierra Leone in Morocco on Thursday, with head coach Ramon Catala demanding a fast start.

The Warriors had their first training session in Casablanca on Tuesday, with Catala describing Sierra Leone as a formidable, battle-hardened side, but insisting his charges are hungry to win.

“They are a team full of good players, like a war team, but we come with the hunger of starting well,” Catala said.

The Spaniard said only half his squad trained after the long trip to North Africa but praised the mood in camp as “phenomenal”. He thanked authorities in Casablanca for the training facilities.

Zimbabwe will be without late call-ups Washington Navaya and Leeroy Mavunga for the Sierra Leone clash due to visa delays. The pair will join the squad in Harare on Friday ahead of Monday’s home tie against DR Congo.

The Warriors have also lost striker Tinotenda Kadewere, ruled out for three weeks after picking up an injury at Greek club Aris Thessaloniki. He joins Prince Dube and Isaac Mabaya on the injury list.

Captain Marvelous Nakamba, Marshall Munetsi, Tawanda Chirewa and Bill Antonio are among the 19 players currently in camp, with Divine Lunga and Tawanda Maswanhise expected to arrive later on Tuesday.

Zimbabwe face Sierra Leone on Thursday before hosting DRC at the National Sports Stadium on Monday.