Nees, whose Warriors failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is now focused on preparing his team for a tough AFCON group stage campaign, where they will face Egypt, South Africa, and Angola.
Reflecting on Zimbabwe’s upcoming challenge, the German tactician acknowledged the formidable quality of their group opponents.
“We are in a very difficult group. We have South Africa—very strong, we saw that last Friday and managed to hold them,” Nees said. “Egypt with Nigeria are the best attacking teams in Africa, and Angola are also a very dangerous side.”
Zimbabwe endured a disappointing World Cup qualifying run, finishing bottom of Group C, which also featured Nigeria, South Africa, Benin Republic, Lesotho, and Rwanda. The Warriors drew five of their matches and failed to secure a win in the campaign.
Despite FIFA’s deduction of points that affected standings, South Africa topped the group to clinch automatic qualification, while Nigeria finished in the playoff position.
Nees, however, remains optimistic about his team’s AFCON prospects, stressing that every nation in Morocco will be determined to progress beyond the group stage.
“Every team that plays at the AFCON wants to go to the second round. I don’t think there’s any team that goes there to play three games and go home,” he added.
The 2025 AFCON, scheduled to take place in Morocco, will see Zimbabwe seeking redemption and a chance to prove their competitiveness against some of the continent’s strongest attacking forces.