AFCON 2021: Qualifying from group stage for the first time will mean a lot to us – Zimbabwe captain Knowledge Musona

Zimbabwe captain Knowledge Musona hopes his outfit qualify from the group stage for the first time in their history at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The Warriors appear in the AFCON finals for the fifth time and are yet to make it out of the group stages having trailed their group with just a point in Egypt 2019.

The much-anticipated tournament will kick start on Sunday, January 9, 2022 at the Central African country.

The Warriors is among the 24 countries set to battle it out for the covetous trophy.

Ahead of the tournament, Knowledge Musona who is making his third appearance at the AFCON said progressing from the group stage for the first time will mean a lot to him and the entire team.

“I have already played at two AFCON finals without progressing to the knockout stages. Doing it now will mean a lot to me as an individual and to the whole team, because it will be historic for every player. It’s an opportunity for us to show that we can perform at big tournaments like AFCON,” said Musona.

Arriving early in Cameroon to prepare for the tournament may come in handy for Norman Mapeza’s side. The Warriors landed in Cameroon 10 days before their opening match against Senegal on Monday, 10 January at the Bafoussam Omnisport Stadium.

“Coming in early was really important for us to be together for longer as a team, while we also acclimatize to the environment for those players who are based in places with different weather conditions. We still have more days to train, and we will be ready for our first game. I am confident that we will have a good tournament that will make the whole country proud,” he added.

The Warriors will be without trio Marvelous Nakamba, Marshall Munetsi and Brendan Galloway due to injuries.

Meanwhile, midfield gem Khama Billiat upheld his decision to retire from international football.

“It’s unfortunate that we are missing some players who were with us during the qualifiers because of injuries and other issues, but I think we still have the quality to compete with any team”

“I definitely think that we are going to have a good tournament, especially with the preparations that we have done so far, and what we will still do in the remaining days,” he said.