2024 COSAFA Cup: Shock as  Emerging Stars' opponents name squad at midnight

2024 COSAFA Cup: Shock as Emerging Stars' opponents name squad at midnight

Festus Chuma 12:30 - 22.06.2024

The Kenya U-23 national team is gearing up for the 2024 COSAFA Cup, where they will face strong regional teams, including one that announced its squad at midnight.

Kenya U-23 national team opponents for the upcoming 2024 COSAFA Championship, Zimbabwe, announced their final squad selections at midnight, with the tournament scheduled to kick off in Durban, South Africa.

The event, taking place from June 26 to July 7, will see Zimbabwe, led by coach Jairos Tapera, field a mix of local talents and UK-based players in a robust lineup aimed at challenging regional football powerhouses.

Among the notable inclusions are Miley Tavaziva and Shane Maroodza, who bring international experience from the UK.

Their skills will complement those of Highlanders’ striker Lynoth Chikuhwa, who made the squad after significant public demand following his exclusion from earlier selections.

In a surprising turn of events, Macauley Bonne, initially part of the squad, has been dropped, hinting at strategic changes in the team's composition.

Zimbabwe's tournament journey begins with a match against Comoros on June 27, followed by a crucial face-off with Zambia on June 30 at Wolfson Stadium.

Their final group match against Kenya, scheduled for July 11, is poised to be a decisive battle, potentially determining the group's top qualifier.

Kenya faces a formidable challenge right from the start, opening their campaign against Zambia at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on July 5.

Zambia, boasting a record seven COSAFA Cup titles, represents a significant hurdle.

However, the Kenyan squad is determined to make an impact and showcase their growth and potential in regional football.

Following their opener, Kenya will meet Comoros at Wolfson Stadium on July 8. This match, starting at 1pm East African Time, will be crucial for gaining momentum before they meet Zimbabwe.

The COSAFA Championship provides a vital platform for these young teams to gain international exposure and experience.

Zimbabwe squad for COSAFA 2024 tournament

Goalkeepers: Marley Tavaziva (Brentford), Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum), Geoffrey Chitsumba (Manica Diamonds)

Defenders: Shane Maroodza (Huddersfield), Isheanasu Mauchi (Simba Bhora), Tawanda Chisi (Manica Diamonds), Thubelihle Jubani (Manica Diamonds), Farai Banda (Manica Diamonds), Dennis Nhongo (Bikita Minerals)

Midfielders: Joey Phuthi (Sheffield Wednesday), Tatenda Tavengwa (Venda FC), Leslie Kashitigu (Ngezi Platinum), Richard Hachiro (Ngezi Platinum), Donald Mudadi (Dynamos), Kingsley Mureremba (Caps United), Tinotenda Meke (Greenfuel), Panashe Mutimbanyoka (FC Platinum), Juan Mutudza (FC Platinum)

Strikers: Michael Tapera (Manica Diamonds), Never Rauzhi (Bulawayo Chiefs), Takunda Benhura (Ngezi Platinum), Lynoth Chikuhwa (Highlanders)

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