Zimbabwe coach Sunday Chidzambwa has named a 34-man provisional squad for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

China-based striker Nyasha Mushekwi returns to the squad, along with midfielder Thabani Kamusoko of Tanzanian club Young Africans.

Knowledge Musona, who plays for Anderlecht in Belgium, captains the team that includes key players like Tendayi Darikwa of English club Nottingham Forest and Khama Billiat, the 2016 South African player of the season.

Zimbabwe’s previous two attempts at the continental finals both ended at the group stage, and the current group has the onus to try and surpass their predecessors’ exploits.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Donovan Bernard (How Mine)

Tatenda Mkuruva (Dynamos)

Nelson Chadya (Ngezi platinum)

Takabva Mawaya (Hwange)

Defenders

Costa Nhamoinesu (AC Sparta Praha)

Blessing Moyo (Maritzburg United)

Bruce Kangwa (Azam FC)

Elisha Muroiwa (Dynamos)

Hardlife Zvirekwi (Caps United)

Oscar Machapa (AS Vita Club)

Liberty Chakoroma (Ngezi Platinum)

Onismor Bhasera (Supersport United)

Lawrence Mhlanga (Chicken Inn)

Teenage Hadebe (Chicken Inn)

Tendai Ndlovu (Highlanders)

Midfielders

Danny Phiri (Golden Arrows)

Willard Katsande (Kaizer Chiefs)

Khama Billiat (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Raphael Kutinyu (Chicken Inn)

Kudakwashe Mahachi (Golden Arrows)

Marshall Mudehwe (FC Platinum)

Talent Chawapiwa (ZPC Kariba)

Marvelous Nakamba (Vitesse Arnhem)

Ronald Chitiyo (Harare City)

Strikers

Cuthbert Malajila (Bidvest Wits)

Evans Rusike (Maritzburg United)

Knowledge Musona (KV Oostende)

Nyasha Mushekwi (Dalian Yifang)

Mathew Rusike (Helsingborgs IF)

Tendai Ndoro (Orlando Pirates)

Tinotenda Kadewere (Djurgardens IF