HARARE – Zimbabwe coach Sunday Chidzambwa has named a 28-man squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Congo Brazzaville next month.

There was no place for Knox Mutizwa, who plays for Golden Arrow in South Africa.

Zimbabwe lead Group G on goal difference after their opening 3-0 win over Liberia in June last year, trailed by the Democratic Republic of Congo who were 2-0 winners over Congo Brazzaville.

Zimbabwe are away to Congo Brazzavile on September 7, and then play the DRC in Kinshasa on October 10 before hosting the return leg with the DRC on October 13.

They play Liberia on November 16 before they conclude their qualification bid at home to Congo Brazzaville.

Cameroon will host the tournament from June 7 to 30 next year.

Chidzambwa named just five players from the domestic league – goalkeepers Donovan Bernard and Talbert Shumba from Ngezi Platinum and Chapungu respectively; FC Platinum defender Kevin Moyo and midfielders Richard Hachiro and Leeroy Mavunga from Herentals and Yadah respectively.

Zimbabwe are aiming to make a fourth appearance at the African showpiece, and will once again be led by the dependable skipper Knowledge Musona who plays for Anderlecht in Belgium.

Kaizer Chiefs talisman Khama Billiat is also included, as is Kudakwashe Mahachi of Orlando Pirates.

Chidzambwa and his assistants Rahman Gumbo and Lloyd Mutasa also want to have a look at the Europe-based trio of Tendai Darikwa (Nottingham Forest), Adam Chiksen (Bradford City) and Kevin Lunga of Boner SC.

Mutizwa, who started his new season with a wonder goal for Arrows last week, is the surprise exclusion.

The squad will go into camp at the end of August.

Warriors’ Squad:
Goalkeepers: George Chigova (Polokwane City), Donovan Bernard (Ngezi Platinum), Edmore Sibanda (Witbank Spurs), Tallbert Shumba (Chapungu United)

Defenders: Devine Lunga (Golden Arrows), Tendai Darikwa (Norrtingham Forest), Alec Mudimu (Cefn Druid), Costa Nhamoinesu (Sparta Praha), Teenage Hadebe (Kaizer Chiefs), Kevin Moyo (FC Platinum), Erick Chipeta ( Cape Umoya), Adam Chiksen (Bradford City), Byron Madzokere (Yadah)

Midfielders: Marshal Munetsi (Orlando Pirates), Tafadzwa Kutinyu (Azam), Ovidy Karuru (AmaZulu), Marvelous Nakamba( Clube Brugge), Richard Hachiro (Herentals), Talent Chawapihwa (Baroka), Kudakwashe Mahachi (Orlando Pirates), Leeroy Mavunga( Yadah),

Strikers: Khama Billiart (Kaizer Chiefs), Knowledge Musona (Anderlecht), Evans Rusike (Super Sport), Kelly Lunga (SC Boner), Terrence Dzukamanja (Bidvest), Nyasha Mushekwi (Dalian Yifang), Tinotenda Chibharo (FK Sloboda Uzice).

Technical team:
Sunday Chidzambwa (Head coach)
Rahman Gumbo (assistant coach)
Lloyd Mutasa (assistant coach)
Wellington Mpandare (team manager)