WARRIORS head coach Norman Mapeza brewed a shocker on Wednesday with surprise inclusions in his 23- member squad that will take on Mali in their must-win African Cup of Nations Group A qualifier on June 5. But in the process, the former Warriors captain was forced to drop Denver Mukamba, Archieford Gutu, Guthrie Zhokinyi and Edmore Sibanda. The Warriors are scheduled to take on the Eagles of Mali in a must-win Group A reverse fixture at the National Sports Stadium on June 5. Speculation is that Mapeza might have dropped the Dynamos duo of Mukamba and Gutu on the grounds of discipline. The two have been hitting headlines for the past weeks for wrong reasons altogether. Zhokinyi who also faced Mapeza’s axe and the other two teammates were part of the 18- men Warriors squad that lost 1-0 to the Eagles on March 26 while CAPS United goalkeeper Sibanda was dropped from the travelling team. Blue Ribbon fullback Tapiwa Kumbuyani, who is relishing an impressive early season with the millers, will compete for Warriors right-back position with CAPS’ Gilbert Mapemba and Cyprus-based Noel Kaseke. Kumbuyani, who is playing the game of his life, might have been noticed by Mapeza when he played well against Highlaners last weekend at Gwanzura where the hosts won 2-1. Mapeza sat on the terraces watching action from a distance. Plymouth Argyle’s left back Onismor Bhasera has also been ruled out as he is still recovering from a knee operation. Poland-based defender Costa Nhamoinesu, who plays for Zagłębie Lubin, has been called up to replace Bhasera. If Nhamoinesu honours the call-up, the former Masvingo United stopper will have to compete for a starting place with Gunners and Zimbabwe Under- 23 left back Qadr Amin. Motor Action captain Marlon Jani has been given the nod ahead of Sibanda and will compete for the number 1 jersey with Dynamos’ Washington Arubi and Tapuwa Kapini of Platinum Stars. Jani has conceded only once in eight games for the defending champions and current log leaders. When the Warriors travelled to Mali Mapeza had to play Captain Method Mwanjali on the right side of defence after all potential candidates had failed to report for duty. Mwanjali had a torrid time on the flank where Mali opened a highway subsequently creating the only goal that sank the Warriors. One of the top goal scorers in the domestic league, CAPS United forward Simba Sithole, also managed to catch the eye of former Warriors captain Mapeza. Fit-again Kaizer Chiefs ace Knowledge Musona, who missed the Bamako trip due to injury, is expected to lead the attack. Musona is Zimbabwe’s only scorer in this campaign, having found the target in the opening 1-1 draw with Liberia last October. The Warriors are in danger of missing out on a Nations Cup finals berth for the third successive time if they fail to win all their remaining matches in Group A. Cape Verde lead the group with seven points, Mali are second with six while the Warriors are a distant third on two points from three matches. The Lone Stars of Liberia anchor the group with a single point. Full Squad Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Dynamos), Tapuwa Kapini (Platinum Stars), Marlon Jani (Motor Action). Defenders: Thomas Sweswe (Kaizer Chiefs), Method Mwanjali (Mamelodi Sundowns), Gilbert Mapemba (CAPS United), Costa Nhamoinesu (Zagłębie Lubin, Poland), Qadr Amini (Gunners), Daniel Vheremu (FC Platinum), Tapiwa Kumbuyani (Blue Ribbon), Noel Kaseke (AC Omonia, Cyprus). Midfielders: Tinashe Nengomasha (Kaizer Chiefs), Esrom Nyandoro (Mamelodi Sundowns), Vusa Nyoni (Germinal Beerschot, Belgium), Quincy Antipas (SönderjyskE, Denmark), Khama Billiat, Willard Katsande (AJAX CT), Justice Majabvi (LASK Linz, Austria), Ovidy Karuru (US Boulogne, France). Strikers: Knowledge Musona (Kaizer Chiefs), Nyasha Mushekwi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Edward Sadomba (Al Hilal), Simba Sithole (CAPS United).