Warriors eye gold as Zimbabwe set for tune-up clash with Tanzania and Kenya

Team Zimbabwe will face Tanzania and Kenya in a triangular friendly at Ajou University this Sunday, 10 May, in their final competitive outing before this year's Korea Africa Cup of Nations.

Kickoff is at 3:30 PM.

The Warriors arrive at the friendly with a point to prove. Last year, they came within a penalty shootout of lifting the KAFCON trophy, falling to South Africa in a final that ended level after regulation and extra time. The defeat has stayed with the squad — and shaped the mood heading into this campaign.

"Gold is the goal," is the message coming out of the camp. After last year's near-miss, the Warriors are no longer interested in moral victories.

A useful test

Sunday's friendlies are more than a kickabout. With two weeks until the tournament, the coaching staff will use the matches against Tanzania and Kenya to settle on a starting eleven, sharpen set-pieces, and build the kind of match fitness that group-stage football demands.

Both opponents bring genuine quality. Tanzania and Kenya have strong East African footballing traditions, and neither side is expected to make life easy for Zimbabwe. That, frankly, is the point.

A tough draw at Pyeongtaek

KAFCON 2026 takes place on Sunday 24 May at Poseung Sports Park in Pyeongtaek, and the Warriors have been handed a demanding Group A draw alongside DR Congo, Senegal, and Guinea.

Zimbabwe's group fixtures:

  • 08:00 — Zimbabwe vs DR Congo
  • 11:00 — Senegal vs Zimbabwe
  • 13:00 — Zimbabwe vs Guinea

Three matches in one day, with knockout rounds to follow. Squad depth and recovery between fixtures will be as important as anything that happens on the ball.

Players still being recruited

The squad is not yet closed. Team Zimbabwe is calling on Zimbabwean nationals in Korea — students, workers, long-term residents — with playing experience to come forward. Interested players can register through Zim-Korea Hub or by contacting any ZCSK executive.

A call to the stands

The community is also being asked to turn out in numbers. Last year's tournament drew one of the largest Zimbabwean crowds seen in Korea, and organisers are hoping Sunday's friendlies and the main event on 24 May will go further still.

Ajou University on 10 May. Poseung Sports Park on 24 May. The Warriors want company.