Liverpool player set for Zimbabwe debut in AFCON qualifiers

A Liverpool player could make his Zimbabwe debut when the Warriors begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Sierra Leone next week.

Isaac Mabaya has been included in Ramón Catalá’s final Warriors squad for the opening qualifiers, giving the 21-year-old an opportunity to make his senior international debut for Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe face Sierra Leone away on 24 September before hosting the Democratic Republic of Congo in Harare four days later.

From Liverpool’s academy to the Warriors

Mabaya was born in Preston, England, to Zimbabwean parents and joined Liverpool’s academy when he was just six years old.

The right-back progressed through the club’s youth system and signed his first professional contract with Liverpool in 2021.

Interestingly, he did not begin his career as a defender.

Liverpool said Mabaya was initially deployed as a wide midfielder before being moved to full-back, where his ability to attack from the position became one of his notable qualities.

That versatility has remained an important part of his development.

Mabaya has already played for Liverpool’s first team

Although the upcoming match could be his Zimbabwe debut, Mabaya has already made a senior appearance for Liverpool.

He came off the bench against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup in February 2025 after Joe Gomez suffered an injury.

His senior experience at club level remains limited, but his progression through one of England’s biggest football academies has kept him on the radar.

According to This Is Anfield, the attacking full-back is registered in Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League squads because he qualifies as both homegrown and club-trained.

Mabaya also featured prominently around Liverpool’s first-team environment during his development and appeared for the club during pre-season.

The Liverpool man previously represented England

Mabaya’s international career has also included England youth teams.

He represented England at Under-15, Under-16, Under-18 and Under-19 level, making him one of several players with the option of representing Zimbabwe despite being born in England.

His decision to play senior international football for Zimbabwe now gives Catalá another option at right-back.

Liverpool’s academy profile describes Mabaya as a player who can operate from full-back after his positional switch from midfield.

Zimbabwe’s AFCON qualifiers

The Warriors will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Sierra Leone on 24 September.

They will then return home to face the Democratic Republic of Congo at the National Sports Stadium on 28 September.

Mabaya has been named among the defenders in Catalá’s 23-man squad for the two matches.

For the Liverpool youngster, the fixtures could mark the beginning of a new chapter in his career.