The Romanian coach joined the Warriors just last month on a one-year contract, replacing Michael Nees who left after failing to win a match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Zimbabwe will be without key midfielder and vice-captain Marshall Munetsi who has been ruled out for weeks after picking up an injury in Wolverhampton Wanderers loss against Nottingham Forest last week.
Scottland FC talisman Walter Musona also misses out due to injury whilst teammate Khama Billiat has been omitted from the final squad.
The Warriors are in Group B alongside Angola, South Africa and Egypt, who they face in their opening match on December 22.
FULL SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi), Martin Mapisa (MWOS)
Defenders: Godknows Murwira (Scottland), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Sea Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday), Munashe Garanaga (Copenhagen), Gerald Takwara (Al Ittihad Misurata SC Libya), Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora), Brandon Galloway (Plymouth Argyle), Teenage Hadebe (Cincinnati), Alec Mudimu (Flint Town United), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Midfielders: Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), Jonah Fabisch (Erzgebirg Aue), Andrew Rinomhota (Reading), Prosper Padera (SJK Seina Joki), Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Knowledge Musona (Scottland)
Forwards: Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen), Ishamael Wadi (CAPS United), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants), Prince Dube (Young Africans), Washington Navaya (TelOne), Macauley Bonne (Maldon & Tiptree), Junior Zindoga (TS Galaxy), Tadiwanashe Chakuchichi (Scottland)
Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has officially unveiled his final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, naming a balanced group comprising Europe-based stars, rising talents from Africa, and several players active in Asia.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has moved to clarify the omission of Marshall Munetsi from the Warriors’ final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), dismissing claims that the decision was unfair.
Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane is set to be handed a major opportunity at this month’s Africa Cup of Nations after injury ruled Alexis Guendouz out of the tournament.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has moved to quell growing controversy surrounding Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos following claims that he made racist and sexist remarks during a recent media briefing.
