Zimbabwe's Bold Bet: Targeting a Group-Stage Breakthrough at AFCON 2025

Ambition and Group Reality

Zimbabwe's coach Mario Marinica insisted his squad enters the Africa Cup of Nations with big ambitions and a genuine desire for a landmark achievement, pushing beyond mere participation and reaching for a real run in the tournament.

In televised remarks, Marinica said the core objective for Zimbabwe at this edition is to advance from the group stage, not settle for participation.

We have prepared well for the tournament, trained hard, and aim to show our best, hoping to qualify from the group stage.

Tests Ahead and Confidence

Marinica noted the group is strong and features big teams, with tough tests against Egypt, South Africa, and Angola; he remains confident in his players' ability to compete.

We firmly believe in our chances, have great faith in our capabilities, and know the mission isn't easy, but it's not impossible.

Our clear objective is to escape the group. We came to win as many games as possible, not merely to avoid losses or to be merely proud.

Zimbabwe opens with a tough clash against Egypt this evening, the first game in Group D at AFCON.

Punchlines: If courage were a stat, Zimbabwe would top the league. If defending were art, Marinica would sign it with popcorn.