Zim Announce Prelim AFCON Squad, Former Chiefs Star Excluded

New Zimbabwe head coach Marian ‘Mario’ Marinica has named his 55-man preliminary squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations but somewhat surprisingly excluded Khama Billiat.

Marinica initially named 51 players in his preliminary squad, which included Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder, Marshall Munetsi, Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubu, and Magesi FC goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze as well as former Kaizer Chiefs striker Knowledge Musona.

Four players were later added to the team to make it 55 players, but squad will need to be cut to 28 names by 8 December latest.

However, Scotland FC talisman Billiat has been excluded from the squad after the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Chiefs forward missed Zimbabwe’s last two friendly matches against Algeria and Qatar. The 35-year-old last played for the Warriors under Michael Nees during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Zim are placed in Group B for the AFCON alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Angola. They will start their tournament against the Pharaohs on 22 December before facing Angola four days later and closing the group stages against Bafana Bafana on 29 December.

Below is Zimbabwe’s full preliminary squad: