By Tapiwa Chawagarira
HARARE — The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has assured football fans of a safe, orderly, and seamless matchday experience as the Young Warriors begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Under-23 qualifying campaign against Mauritius at the National Sports Stadium this evening.
The first-round qualifier, scheduled for a 6 pm kick-off, is the opening leg of a two-match tie, with the return fixture set for October 6 in Mauritius. The winner will progress to the second round, where Mali await.
The U23 AFCON campaign also carries an Olympic dimension, with the 2027 continental finals in Egypt forming part of Africa’s qualification pathway for the men’s football tournament at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Ahead of the encounter, ZIFA said extensive logistical, security, and administrative measures had been put in place to accommodate supporters and ensure smooth movement into and out of the stadium.
The association said all turnstiles and ticket scanners at the National Sports Stadium have been thoroughly tested and are operational, while additional stewards and security personnel will be deployed around the venue.
“ZIFA wishes to reassure fans attending this evening’s U23 AFCON qualifier between Zimbabwe and Mauritius at the National Sports Stadium in Harare that measures are in place to ensure a safe, orderly, and enjoyable matchday experience,” the association said.
Supporters have been urged to arrive early, use the entry gate indicated on their tickets, and have their tickets ready for scanning to minimise delays at the turnstiles.
ZIFA also stressed that there will be no ticket sales at the National Sports Stadium, meaning fans are expected to secure their tickets before arriving at the venue.
Official ticketing information shows ordinary tickets starting at US$5, while VIP tickets are priced at US$30.
Parking at the stadium will be available free of charge. Motorists are urged to follow instructions from parking attendants and security personnel to facilitate orderly traffic movement around the stadium precinct.
ZIFA said it is working with relevant stakeholders to manage crowd entry, movement within the stadium, and the eventual exit of supporters after the match.
The match comes as Spanish coach Marc Sanchez prepares to lead the Young Warriors in his first competitive assignment with the side.
Sanchez has placed player development alongside competitive ambitions, saying the immediate objective is to help the youngsters develop into future senior national-team players while also progressing through the qualifying rounds.
Captain Corbin Mthunzi will lead the Young Warriors into the contest. The Ipswich Town defender has previously been involved with the senior Warriors setup. The squad also includes several players who already have exposure to senior international football.
For Zimbabwe, negotiating the Mauritius tie would keep alive their hopes of reaching the 2027 U23 AFCON finals in Egypt and, through that competition, remaining in contention for a place at the 2028 Olympic Games.
ZIFA has therefore called on supporters to turn out in numbers and give the Young Warriors their backing.
“We look forward to welcoming you to the National Sports Stadium. Come in your numbers, rally behind the Young Warriors and help cheer Zimbabwe to victory!” the association said.
