Zimbabwe seeks inspiration from Ajax Amsterdam for the Nations Cup

DURBAN (Reuters) – Key striker Knowledge Musona said Zimbabwe wanted to become Ajax Amsterdam during the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt starting later this month. , in the hope of surprising in depth.

Zimbabwe is part of Group A with the host countries, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, and aims to get out of the pool for the first time in its history after scoring just one point in three games played in Gabon. two years ago.

"We have a good good team and we are working hard to fix the mistakes of the last tournament," Musona told Reuters at the team's training camp in Durban.

"We have enough experience and our initial goal is to fade out group stages for the first time."

Musona, who is under contract with Belgium's Anderlecht but who lent part of last season to Lokeren, said Zimbabwe was confident in its progression even though it was "neglected" after dominating a group of qualification also including DR Congo.

"We have the hosts and they will always be favorites. DR Congo has a strong team and they will know what to expect from us. Uganda is also a very good team.

"Zimbabwe is the group's only underdog, but that in itself should motivate us to say that we are the Ajax Amsterdam of the Nations Cup.

"We are going there to fight and give disappointment to the other teams," he said, citing the Dutch club's surprise run for the UEFA Champions League semi-finals this season.

UNIT

Musona added that one of the keys to their success in qualifying for successive Nations Cup tournaments was the fact that many players have been together since then, in the under-17 category of Zimbabwe.

"I played with almost everyone, from under 17 to under 23 and in the senior team, so we know each other very well," he said.

"(Attacker) Khama Billiat and goaltender George Chigova come from the same academy as me, so we understand each other.

"It makes us move forward and every time we tell ourselves to fight each other on the field, we play as a team and not as individuals."

Zimbabwe will face Nigeria in a friendly match in Lagos on Saturday, allowing the team to prepare for the continental finals from June 21 to July 19.

"It will be a big test before the Nations Cup. Nigeria is one of the strongest teams in Africa and we look forward to it.

"It will be good for us to see if we are ready for the tournament."