Bafana’s Rivals Handed Blow Ahead Of AFCON Opener

Zimbabwe Handed Blow For AFCON. Photo: Gallo Images

Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage opponents had a late withdrawal on the eve of their tournament opener.

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The 2025 AFCON kicked off on Sunday evening with Morocco winning their opening game 2-0 against African minnows Comoros.

The action continues as Group A’s other game features Mali against Zambia, while Group B’s games will also take place on the second day of the tournament.

South Africa will face Angola, while Zimbabwe will meet Egypt. The Warriors were dealt a blow before their first game.

After Marshall Munetsi was left out of the AFCON squad, fellow midfielder Andy Rinomhota was forced to withdraw from the Zimbabwe squad due to a personal family matter, Africa Soccer reported.

The player revealed that the situation required his urgent attention and meant he needed to leave the squad.

“I wish to inform the public that I have had to withdraw from the Zimbabwe Men’s National Team camp, effective immediately, due to an urgent family matter that requires my full personal attention,” the player said.

“I am deeply gutted to miss out on a tournament of this magnitude. Representing Zimbabwe at the highest level has always been a source of pride, and while I was fully committed to this opportunity, the timing of this family matter means I am not in the right psychological space to give the team my very best,” he added.

“This decision has not been taken lightly. I remain fully committed to the national team and look forward to returning to duty once the family matter has been resolved,” the Reading FC midfielder added.

“I would like to wish my teammates and the entire technical group the very best at the tournament. I will be supporting them wholeheartedly and praying that Zimbabwe goes all the way. I would like to thank the Zimbabwe Football Association for the opportunity and support they have given me. I respectfully request privacy for myself and my family during this period,” he concluded.

In a statement, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) revealed that Rinomhota will return to the squad once the matter has been resolved.

Check Out: ZIFA Defend Decision To Exclude Former Bucs Star

“Andy Rinomhota remains part of the national team setup, and the Association looks forward to his return once the matter has been resolved,” it said.

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