Zimbabwe national team coach Michael Nees has described Nigeria and Egypt as the most dangerous attacking teams in Africa, as he turns his focus toward preparing the Warriors for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Nees, who recently guided his side through a tough 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, acknowledged the immense challenge awaiting Zimbabwe in the continental tournament. His team has been drawn in a competitive group that includes Egypt, South Africa, and Angola — all of whom have strong records and attacking depth.
Speaking in a recent media interaction, the German tactician admitted that the group would test his team’s resilience and discipline, especially after Zimbabwe’s struggles in the World Cup qualifiers.
“We are in a very difficult group,” Nees said. “We have South Africa — a very strong team, we saw that last Friday when we managed to hold them. Egypt, along with Nigeria, are the best attacking teams in Africa, while Angola are a very dangerous side.”
Zimbabwe endured a difficult 2026 World Cup qualifying journey, competing in Group C alongside Nigeria, South Africa, Benin Republic, Lesotho, and Rwanda. Despite showing flashes of promise, the Warriors finished at the bottom of the group after recording five draws and failing to secure a win.
FIFA’s disciplinary decisions also affected the group’s dynamics, with South Africa ultimately securing the automatic qualification ticket, while Nigeria earned a playoff slot after a solid campaign marked by attacking brilliance and consistency.
Reflecting on those experiences, Nees said his team had learned valuable lessons from facing world-class opposition such as Nigeria — a side he described as having “incredible attacking balance” — and from competing against strong tactical setups like South Africa’s.
“When you play against teams like Nigeria and Egypt, you immediately notice the difference in their attacking transitions, decision-making, and finishing,” he explained. “These are teams that can punish you in seconds if you lose concentration. They are not just fast; they are intelligent and clinical.”
The coach highlighted that facing such formidable opponents had provided his players with the mental and tactical toughness required for AFCON 2025. According to Nees, Zimbabwe’s goal now is to approach the tournament with renewed belief and a more structured game plan that can withstand high-intensity play.
The Warriors, who will be making their first major appearance since their return from international suspension, are eager to make a statement on the continental stage. Nees emphasized that his team will not be in Morocco just to participate but to compete and advance beyond the group stage.
“Every team that plays at the AFCON wants to reach the second round,” he said. “No team travels all the way to Morocco just to play three matches and go home. We know it will be difficult, but we are preparing to surprise people.”
Zimbabwe’s group has been described by football analysts as one of the toughest in the tournament. Egypt, led by Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, boasts a lethal frontline and tactical maturity that makes them perennial contenders. Nigeria, meanwhile, continues to dominate the African football scene with a new generation of attacking talent, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze, forming one of the most dynamic attacking trios on the continent.
South Africa, under coach Hugo Broos, have also enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, combining experience with youthful energy to produce an organized and balanced side. Angola, known for their counterattacking prowess, add further unpredictability to the group.
For Nees, navigating such a pool requires not only tactical intelligence but also psychological resilience. He admitted that while Zimbabwe might not have the same star power as Nigeria or Egypt, the team possesses unity and a growing sense of confidence.
“We might not have players playing in the top European leagues, but we have passion and commitment,” he said. “Our players know what it means to wear the national shirt. We are building a team that can fight for every point and every opportunity.”
The coach also expressed optimism about the development of Zimbabwean football, noting that the experience of playing against Africa’s biggest football nations helps to expose young players to the demands of elite competition. He praised his squad for maintaining discipline and determination despite the challenges faced during the World Cup qualifiers.
“What I like about this team is that they never give up,” he said. “We didn’t win in the qualifiers, but we fought hard in every game. That’s the mentality we are taking into AFCON — fight until the final whistle.”
Analysts believe Zimbabwe could emerge as one of the tournament’s dark horses if they find stability in defense and capitalize on counterattacking opportunities. Their success, many agree, will depend on how well they manage their opening group matches and their ability to adapt to the pace of stronger opponents.
As preparations intensify ahead of the tournament, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has pledged full support for the team, ensuring that logistical challenges that have plagued the national side in the past do not resurface.
For coach Michael Nees, the upcoming AFCON is not just about proving Zimbabwe’s competitiveness but also about showcasing the nation’s footballing spirit — one built on perseverance, teamwork, and ambition.
While Nigeria and Egypt remain the continent’s attacking powerhouses in his estimation, Nees believes the Warriors can still make their mark through organization, belief, and determination.
“Football is about moments,” he concluded. “Nigeria and Egypt have world-class attackers, but tournaments are won by teams that believe and work together. We are going to Morocco with that belief.”
As AFCON 2025 draws closer, fans across Africa are eagerly anticipating what promises to be one of the most competitive editions yet — and for Zimbabwe, the dream of rising against the odds continues to burn brightly.
— Africa Live News
