Zimbabwe captain Musona wary of Congo as Mushekwi is ruled out

In-form Zimbabwe striker Nyasha Mushekwi has been ruled out of Sunday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) clash away in Congo Brazzaville, to allow him treatment for a mysterious medical condition.

Dalian Yifang forward Mushekwi has hit scintillating form in recent games in the Chinese Super League, scoring 10 goals in 13 games.

His absence shelves a predicted terrific partnership with Zimbabwe captain Knowledge Musona in an already injury-ravaged Warriors squad.

“Nyasha Mushekwi is out,” Zimbabwe team manager Wellington Mupandare told Goal.

Skipper Musona will have to carry much of the attacking responsibilities, with SuperSport forward Evans Rusike expected to fill Mushekwi’s void.

Zimbabwe beat Liberia 3-0 in the opening qualifying game, with Musona grabbing a hat-trick in a match that Mushekwi was allegedly frozen out for indiscipline.

Although losing 3-1 to neighbours DR Congo in their opening match, Congo are fancied to get something from the game. So, Musona is cautious of an upset.

“When we play these games we have to try and take the three points,” Musona told reporters in Harare.

“They (Congo) have zero points, they didn’t win the first game so they will try by all means to win this game. So it’s a big challenge for us. We must try and maintain the good run that we started. It is not going to be easy but we are going to try until the end of 90 minutes.

“We really need maximum points in every game to improve our chances of qualifying.”

Zimbabwe lead group G on goal difference just above DR Congo and are looking to qualify for their second consecutive Afcon finals.