Defender Munashe Garananga, who has had knee surgery, will miss Zimbabwe’s two decisive matches against Equatorial Guinea in the qualifiers for AFCON 2027. Head coach Ramon Catala has recalled Kadewere, Zemura, Fabisch and Musona.
Zimbabwe will have to do without one of their most reliable defenders. Munashe Garananga, a 25-year-old centre-back playing in Denmark, recently underwent knee surgery and will be out for a long time, according to Herald Online (Zimpapers Sports Hub). A blow for the Warriors ahead of two decisive matches against Equatorial Guinea in Group E of the qualifiers for AFCON 2027.
In this context, head coach Ramon Catala has recalled Tino Kadewere, Jordan Zemura, Jona Fabisch and Knowledge Musona, all of whom were injured at the previous camp. The coach hopes this will make his side more competitive before facing a team he considers solid.
Garananga, one pillar fewer
According to Herald Online, Munashe Garananga was one of the Warriors’ most reliable defenders thanks to his physical presence, his aerial ability and his distribution. His absence therefore rules him out of the double header against Equatorial Guinea. The source mentions only a long absence, without giving a precise duration.
The setback comes at a bad time: the Zimbabwean defence has already shown weaknesses in the first two matchdays of the qualifiers, again according to Herald Online. The staff must now reorganise a sector that has already been weakened.
Catala bets on the returning players
Head coach Ramon Catala has recalled four players who missed the previous camp through injury. Tino Kadewere, Jordan Zemura, Jona Fabisch and Knowledge Musona are back in the squad. The Watford full-back Jordan Zemura brings experience, pace and tactical discipline, according to Herald Online, and can play in a back four or a back three.
Asked about Garananga’s absence, Ramon Catala told Herald Online: “It’s sad Garananga got injured. But we have called other players like Tino Kadewere, Jordan Zemura, Jona Fabisch and Knowledge Musona who were injured last time and they can help us to be more competitive. But they (Equatorial Guinea) also have a good team and it will be two difficult games.”
This choice fits in with the desire for continuity that Ramon Catala has shown since taking charge, as reflected in the latest squad list, Herald Online notes.
Two fixtures in Yaoundé and Harare
The first leg will be played on 12 November at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Four days later, on 16 November, Zimbabwe will host Equatorial Guinea at the National Sports Stadium, according to Herald Online. Two crucial matches for the rest of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.