Zimbabwe’s Scotland-based brothers, Walter and Knowledge Musona, have both missed out on the latest Warriors squad announced for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers, despite enjoying impressive form for their club during the 2026 season.

The omission of the Musona brothers comes despite their strong performances in front of goal. Knowledge Musona has scored 10 goals this season, while Walter Musona has found the net nine times, underlining the form that both players have carried into the campaign.

The two players were instrumental during Zimbabwe’s successful qualification campaign for AFCON 2025 under former Warriors coach Michael Nees. However, following changes within the national team set-up, both brothers have now been overlooked for the latest squad.

Walter Musona was at the centre of controversy in 2025 after he was left out of the Warriors squad that travelled to Morocco. At the time, ZIFA said the player had sustained an injury, although Walter publicly maintained that he was fully fit and available for selection.

ZIFA later explained that the midfielder had suffered a hamstring problem during a match against Algeria in Saudi Arabia.

“He injured his hamstring versus Algeria in Saudi Arabia and did not train ahead of the Qatar match due to pain. He was instructed to bring an ultrasound scan before camp but did not submit it. On Day 1 of the local camp, he was taken for an MRI scan. Official results are pending. Once cleared, he will rejoin the squad,” ZIFA said at the time.

Knowledge Musona has also recently found himself involved in controversy at club level following an incident during Scotland FC’s match against FC Platinum in 2026. The player reportedly walked away after being substituted, an incident that later attracted criticism from the club’s benefactor, Wicknell Chivayo.

Speaking to Scotland FC players during a phone call ahead of their CAF Champions League assignment, Chivayo stressed that discipline and respect for the technical team were essential.

“Another important thing amongst players is discipline.

“If you don't respect the coach, you are not respecting me, the sponsor, and you are not respecting the club.

“The behaviour which I saw, of people just walking off the pitch without even shaking hands with the coach as a demonstration, I will not tolerate that nonsense,” Chivayo said.

Chivayo specifically highlighted the importance of respecting the coaching staff, making it clear that acts of indiscipline would not be tolerated at the club.

Despite their impressive goal-scoring records and previous contributions to the Warriors, neither Walter nor Knowledge Musona has made the cut for the latest Zimbabwe national team selection.

Warriors Squad for AFCON Qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi), Martin Mapisa (Hardrock), Nelson Chadya (Scotland).

Defenders: Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Munashe Garananga (Lynby BK), Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town), Shane Mudhodza (Sarajevo), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday), Emmanuel Jalai (Scotland), Peter Muduhwa (Scotland), Kevin Moyo (Stuttgart), Isaac Mabaya (Liverpool).

Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi (Wolves), Andy Rinomhota (Reading FC), Abu Karimat (Scotland), Marvellous Nakamba (Panetolikos), Prosper Padera (JSK Seinajoki).

Forwards: Thando Ngwenya (AmaZulu), Tawanda Chirewa (Wolves), Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Prince Dube (Ard Rock), Tino Kadewere (Aris Salonica).

Head Coach: Ramon Catala