HARARE – The FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifiers that were set for June will now begin in September, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Thursday, citing Covid-19.
This is the second time the games are being moved after their initial rescheduling from last October due to the respiratory virus that has killed 3.2 million people globally and infected 155 million others.
Zimbabwe, which announced its full squad on Thursday, was due to take on South Africa in their opening match on June 6 at the National Sports Stadium before clashing with Ethiopia.
West African giants Ghana are in the same group, arguably the toughest cluster of the qualifiers.
In a statement CAF said: “The CAF Emergency Committee, in consultation with FIFA, decided to postpone the CAF qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 that were due to be played in June 2021 after taking into consideration the current challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the need to ensure the optimal playing conditions for all participating teams.”
The qualifiers will now take place from September through November 2021, and March 2022, CAF added.
“CAF is reassessing its protocols and processes to enhance the implementation of Covid-related protocols, including specifically focusing on pre-match testing which had been the source of some challenges in previous windows. Full details on the updated match schedule will be provided in due course.”
Despite the rescheduling, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) communication department announced a Warriors squad that includes Brendan Galloway of Luton Town in the United Kingdom, who has decided to commit to Zimbabwe.
Defender Divine Lunga has also been drafted in the opener against Bafana Bafana despite his fallout with coach Zdravko Logarusic.
ZIMBABWE 2022 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Ariel Sibanda (Highlanders), Martin Mapisa (Zamora CF) Talbert Shumba (Nkana)
Defenders: Alec Mudimu (Ankaraspor), Divine Lunga (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Tendayi Darikwa (Wigan Athletic), Teenage Hadebe (Yeni Malatyaspor), Jimmy Dzingai (Nkana), Jordan Zemura (AFC Bournemouth), Onismor Bhasera (SuperSport United), Takudzwa Chimwemwe (Nkana), Brendan Galloway (Luton Town), Carlos Mavhurume (CAPS United).
Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims), Butholezwe Ncube (Amazulu), Ovidy Karuru (Black Leopards), Marvelous Nakamba (Aston Villa), Kudakwashe Mahachi (SuperSport United), Knowledge Musona (KAS Eupen), Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs), Perfect Chikwende (Simba SC), Thabani Kamusoko (Zesco United), King Nadolo (Dynamos), Tafadzwa Rusike (Zesco United).
Strikers: Tinotenda Kadewere (Lyon), David Moyo (Hamilton Academical), Prince Dube (Azam), Admiral Muskwe (Wycombe Wanderers), Knox Mutizwa (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Orlando Pirates).
