HARARE – Sunday Chidzambwa on Tuesday named his 24-man provisional squad for the African Cup of Nations finals, comprising only five players from the domestic league.

There were recalls for Nyasha Mushekwi and Tafadzwa Rusike, and Chidzambwa left the door ajar for Macauley Bonne, who plays for fifth tier Leyton Orient in England’s National League.

Bonne was left out of the provisional squad which goes into camp on May 20, but Warriors manager Wellington Mpandare clarified that the striker submitted his papers to the Zimbabwe embassy in the United Kingdom on Tuesday, with the hope of sorting his eligibility issues in time for the finals in June.

Bonne posted a picture of himself on Twitter with Zimbabwe’s ambassador to the UK re-affirming his desire to join up with the team.

“To counter the press reports, I have completed all necessary documents to get my Zimbabwe passport. I will be travelling to #AFCON2019 this summer, representing my country,” he stated.

Chidzambwa, who is assisted by Rahman Gumbo and Lloyd Mutasa, must trim his provisional squad to 23 before the finals.

Mutasa told journalists in Harare that the coaching staff felt that Abbas Amidu, who plays for second tier Saudi Arabian club Arar FC and Wits University’s Terrence Dzvukamanja would have made the cut if they were not injured.

Chapungu goalkeeper Talbert Shumba got a surprise look-in, and joins the Yadah Stars pair of defender Byron Madzokere and midfielder Leeroy Mavunga; Herentals midfielder Richard Hachiro and FC Platinum defender Lawrence Mhlanga in a squad teeming with foreign based professionals.

Zimbabwe were drawn in Group A with hosts Egypt, the DRC and Uganda.

The Warriors will open the tournament on June 21 against the Egyptians at the Cairo International Stadium. The 24-team tournament runs until July 19.

2019 COSAFA & AFCON finals Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

George Chigova, Edmore Sibanda, Elvis Chipezeze, Talbert Shumba

Defenders

Dennis Dauda, Lawrence Mhlanga, Jimmy Dzingai, Byron Madzokere, Alec Mudimu, Teenage Hadebe, Divine Lunga, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Tendai Darikwa

Midfielders

Danny Phiri, Marshall Munetsi, Marvelous Nakamba, Butholezwe Ncube, Tafadzwa Kutinyu, Ovidy Karuru, Khama Billiat, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Tafadzwa Rusike, Richard Hachiro, Talent Chawapihwa, Leeroy Mavunga, Knowledge Musona, Thabani Kamusoko, Rodwell Chinyengetere

Strikers

Nyasha Mushekwi, Evans Rusike, Walter Musona, Tinotenda Kadewere, Knox Mutizwa, Admiral Muskwe

The draw:

Group A: Egypt, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Group B: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi

Group C: Senegal, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania

Group D: Morocco, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Namibia

Group E: Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Angola

Group F: Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, Guinea-Bissau