Benjani Named In Zimbabwe Squad

Portsmouth striker Benjani Mwaruwari has been named in a 29-man squad for Zimbabwe, who host Morocco in a MTN Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Harare’s Rufaro Stadium on March 25.

Mwaruwari, appointed captain of the side last year, is one of 22 foreign-based players named by coach Charles Mhlauri, the Zimbabwe Football Association said.

Zimbabwe must win the match to keep alive their chances of qualifying for the 2008 MTN Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ghana.

Last month they had to

cancel a friendly in nearby Lesotho because they could not raise the money to travel for the warm-up international.

Zimbabwe Squad:

Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Highlanders), Tafadzwa Dube (Masvingo United), Tapuwa Kapini (Silver Stars, South Africa)

Defenders: Onismo Bhasera (Maritzburg United, South Africa), Dickson Choto, Herbert Dick (both Legia Warsaw, Poland), Noel Kaseke (EN Paralimni, Cyprus), David Kutyauripo (CAPS United), Zvenyika Makonese (Santos, South Africa), James Matola (SuperSport United, South Africa), Method Mwanjali (CAPS United), Bekithemba Ndlovu (Silver Stars, South Africa), Charles Yohane (FC AK, South Africa)

Midfielders: Cephas Chimedza (St Truiden, Belgium), Carrington Gomba (Hwange), Honour Gombami (Cercle Brugge, Belgium), Joel Luphahla (Silver Stars, South Africa), Clement Matawu (Motor Action), Peter Ndlovu (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Tinashe Nengomasha (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Esrom Nyandoro (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Vusa Nyoni (Cercle Brugge, Belgium), Edward Sadomba (Dynamos)

Strikers: Evans Gwekwerere (Moroka Swallows, South Africa), Shingayi Kawondera (SuperSport United, South Africa), Musa Mguni (Omonia Nicosia, Cyprus), Gilbert Mushangazhike (Jiangsu Shuntian, China), Benjani Mwaruwari (Portsmouth, England), Joseph Ngwenya (Columbus Crew, USA)