Post AFCON dreaming continues for the Zimbabwe Warriors after the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) announced two friendlies against Algeria and Qatar. Taking place during the next FIFA international break, both matches follow Zimbabwe's successful qualification campaign for AFCON.
The chances to test themselves against some varied opposition could not have come at a better time for the Warriors. Algeria represents African football at its best: physical, skilled, and technical. Qatar, on the other hand, will offer a style of play more akin to Portugal or Spain: fast-paced passing football.
The home fans have been calling out for these types of games rather than the mundane affairs Zimbabwe has become accustomed to against their Southern African neighbors. Matches against Algeria and Qatar will give the Warriors that and more. Algeria will enter the game buzzing after their successful showing at the World Cup. Qualified for 2026 after some strong results saw them skyrocket up the FIFA world rankings and the talk of the town of the best betting sites in Zimbabwe listed on Bettingtop10, Les verts have firmly planted themselves among Africa's best.
Featuring veterans like Baghdad Bounedjah and Riyad Mahrez amongst an exciting batch of young talent, Algeria will pose questions that Zimbabwe will have to answer. This game is much more than just a friendly for the Warriors. It will give them a chance to measure themselves against a team of Algeria's quality that regularly compete with the world's best.
Before they can even start to think about Algeria, though, there's Qatar to consider. Quietly making a name for themselves on the world stage over the past few years, the Qatar national team will provide a stark contrast to Algeria. The Southeast Asian side prides itself on short-passing football, technical ability, and intelligent movement off the ball. Zimbabwe will have to be sharp if they are to deal with what Qatar throws at it. The QFA confirmed the news earlier today.
Zimbabwe will have two weeks to take on two continents. One week, they'll be wrestling with the Mali Eagles, Ghana Black Stars, and the Libya Lions. Next, they'll be coming up against the likes of Saudi Arabia, Japan, and South Korea. Add to that the limited space for competitive games between now and AFCON, and you've got a golden opportunity for Zimbabwe to fine-tune their tactics and really learn about their players.
These friendly matches are the perfect chance for coaches Rashid Shana and James Makata to scout potential new talent and blood it in a game environment. Zimbabwe will be hoping to settle the score with Algeria, too. The two sides have a history and some fantastic matches that always tend to produce fireworks and goals.
Previous meetings between Zimbabwe and Algeria include a 2017 AFCON qualifier that went right down to the wire, as well as a 2019 AFCON group stage game that The Warriors famously came from behind to level at 2-2. Most recently, though, Algeria traveled to Zimbabwe and ran out 3-1 winners. It's safe to say that there's no love lost between the two sides, and the Warriors will be looking to exact some revenge on their North African rivals. If nothing else, these matches against Algeria and Qatar will build confidence should the Zimbabwe national team manage to put in a strong performance against both. Expectations are high in Zimbabwe after two AFCON qualifiers and a successful friendly campaign. The final stop—the FIFA World Cup championship.