The Warriors’ jersey from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) has earned praise and recognition from BBC Sports, being ranked among the best kits in the tournament’s history. The national team unveiled the Umbro-designed jersey during the qualifiers, featuring a unique design that resembled the Zimbabwean flag.
Although the Warriors did not advance beyond the group stage in the tournament, their jersey left a lasting impression. BBC Sport compiled a list of the best Afcon shirts in the lead-up to the 2023 Afcon in Ivory Coast in January. Josh Warwick, the co-founder of the Cult Kits website, provided input on the rankings.
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Describing the Warriors’ kit, Warwick stated, “This is definitely one of the best Afcon shirts of recent tournaments. The thick brushes of red, black, green, and yellow are an entirely welcome assault on the eyes. Gorgeous.”
Among the other notable kits on the list were South Africa’s 1996 jersey, Zambia’s 2013 shirt, and Angola’s 2010 jersey. Cameroon’s iconic sleeveless shirt from the 2002 tournament also received recognition as one of the best-ever Afcon kits.
As the football community looks forward to the 2023 Afcon, the acknowledgment of the Warriors’ kit by BBC Sports highlights the impact of design and aesthetics in the world of football. While Zimbabwe did not participate in the 2023 Afcon qualifiers due to the FIFA ban imposed on the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) in 2022, the recognition of their previous kit adds a positive note to the nation’s footballing legacy.
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