What Zimbabwe’s latest result means for AFCON 2027 hopes

Zimbabwe’s Warriors remain in contention for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after playing out a goalless draw against Equatorial Guinea on Thursday, 12 November 2026.

The two nations shared the points in their Group E Matchday 3 encounter at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The result means Zimbabwe have moved to four points from three qualifying matches, keeping them ahead of Equatorial Guinea in the race for a place at next year’s continental tournament.

But with another meeting between the two nations scheduled for Monday, the Warriors will have little time to reflect on Thursday’s result.

Zimbabwe remain ahead of Equatorial Guinea in Group E

Before Thursday’s encounter, Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea were level on three points after winning one and losing one of their opening two matches.

The Warriors started their campaign with a 3-2 comeback victory over Sierra Leone before suffering a 2-1 defeat against Group E leaders DR Congo.

Equatorial Guinea, meanwhile, lost 2-0 to DR Congo before recovering with a 1-0 victory over Sierra Leone.

The 0-0 result means both teams now have four points.

Zimbabwe retain the advantage on goal difference, having scored four goals and conceded four in their opening three matches.

Equatorial Guinea have scored one goal and conceded two in their first three qualifying fixtures.

In the other Group E encounter, DR Congo defeated Sierra Leone 3-1 to maintain their position at the top of the standings.

The top two teams in Group E will qualify for the 2027 AFCON finals, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Warriors have another opportunity to collect maximum points

Zimbabwe will not have to wait long for another opportunity to strengthen their qualification hopes.

The Warriors are scheduled to host Equatorial Guinea at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on Monday, 16 November.

The return fixture presents an opportunity for Ramon Catala’s men to collect three points against a direct qualification rival.

A victory would take Zimbabwe to seven points and give them an advantage over Equatorial Guinea with two qualifying matches remaining in March 2027.

The two teams will also be monitoring the other Group E encounter between DR Congo and Sierra Leone.

DR Congo started the November international break with six points from two matches after defeating both Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea in September. Confédération Africaine de Football+2

Zimbabwe still have work to do

Although Thursday’s draw keeps Zimbabwe ahead of Equatorial Guinea, the Warriors cannot afford to become complacent.

Their remaining fixtures, including Monday’s return encounter, could prove decisive in determining which two nations progress from Group E.

With qualification still within reach, Zimbabwe will be hoping to make home advantage count when they welcome Equatorial Guinea to Harare.