Marinica had initially released a 51-man list, which featured Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Marshall Munetsi, Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubu, Magesi FC shot-stopper Elvis Chipezeze, and former Kaizer Chiefs striker Knowledge Musona. Four additional names were later added to bring the provisional group to 55.

The decision to leave out Billiat, now 35 and currently on the books of Scotland FC, has drawn widespread attention.

The attacker missed Zimbabwe's most recent friendlies against Algeria and Qatar, and his last appearance for the national side came under former coach Michael Nees during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Marinica faces the task of trimming the enlarged squad down to 28 players by 8 December, a deadline set ahead of the Warriors' departure for the continental showpiece.

Zimbabwe have been drawn into a challenging Group B at AFCON, where they will face Egypt, Angola, and regional rivals South Africa.

Their campaign begins on 22 December against record champions Egypt, before turning their focus to Angola on 26 December. The group stage will conclude with a highly anticipated clash against Bafana Bafana on 29 December.

Zimbabwe's full preliminary squad:

Washington Arubi
Martin Mapisa
Elvis Chipezeze
Godknows Murwira
Emmanuel Jalai
Isheanesu Anselmo Mauchi
John Gerald Tungamirai Takwara
Munashe Peter Garananga
Teenage Lingani Hadebe
Brendan Joel Zibusiso Galloway
Jordan Bhekithemba Zemura
Jonah Reinhard Fabisch
Thandolwenkosi Methuseli Ngwenya
Daniel Msendami
Bill Leeroy Antonio
Tawanda Jethro Maswanhise
Walter Tatenda Musona
Tymon Machope
Tawanda Blessing Chirewa
Marshall Nyasha Munetsi
Marvelous Nakamba
Prince Mpumelelo Dube
Divine Xolile Lunga
Prosper Padera
Sean Sheunesu Fusire
Andrew Farai Rinomhota
Terrence Dzvukamanja
Washington Gift Navaya
Bonne Macauley
Nelson Tapiwa Chadya
Donovan Fungai Benard
Kevin Njabulo Moyo
Peter Muduhwa
Andrew Kabila Mbeba
Albert Manenji
Xolani Ndlovu
Abubakar Moffat
Junior Makunike
Kingsley Mureremba
Joseph Tulani
Mthokozisi Msebe
Nigel Elfas Matinha
Ishmael Wadi
Emmanuel Tafadzwa Ziocha
Billy Vheremu
Obriel Chirinda
Junior Zindoga
Alec Mudimu
Tadiwa Joshua Chakuchichi
Webster Tanaka Tafa
Knowledge Musona

Late call-ups:

Ishmael Nyanhi
Wilfred Madzungu
Junior Jarrison Selemani
Genius Hute

Zimbabwe reveal preliminary 2025 AFCON squad without Khama Billiat