Zimbabwe, who will face hosts Egypt in the opening game of the African Cup of Nations on 21 June, on Tuesday named a preliminary 34-man squad for the tournament. The roster includes Kaizer Chiefs star Khama Billiat, Lokeren winger Knowledge Musona and Orlando Pirates midfielder Marshall Munetsi. Seventeen players -- half of the squad -- are based in South Africa, according to SuperSport. Zimbabwe will face Nigeria in a friendly on 8 June before heading to Egypt, where they will play in Group A along with the hosts as well as DR Congo and Uganda. The Warriors, who have never won the Nations Cup, are making their second successive appearance at the biennial tournament. Zimbabwe's preliminary squad: Goalkeepers:George Chigova, Elmore Sibanda, Elvis Chipezeze, Talbert Shumba Defenders: Dennis Dauda, Lawrence Mhlanga, Jimmy Dzingal, Byron Madzokere, Alec Mudimu, Teenage Hadebe, Divine Lunga, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Tendai Darikwa Midfielders: Danny Phiri, Marshall Munetsi, Marvelous Nakamba, Butholezwe Ncube, Tafadzwa Kutinyu, Ovidy Karuru, Khama Billiat, Kuda Mahachi, Tafadzwa Rusike, Richard Hachiro, Talent Chawapihwa, Leeroy Mavunga, Thabani Kamusoko, Rodwell Chinyengetere Strikers: Nyasha Mushekwi, Evans Rusike, Walter Musona, Tinotenda Kadewere, Knox Mutizwa, Admiral Muskwe, Knowledge Musona (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
