ZIFA have resorted to dispatch a Warriors B side to Abidjan for a friendly match against Cote ‘D’ Ivoire on Boxing Day after ruling out all the foreign based players who are still committed at their respective clubs.

The match against the African champions is the first preparatory match for the Nations Cup bound team as they begin their preparations end of this week.

But Zimbabwe coach Callisto Pasuwa have resorted to local based players to fulfil that game.

A host of European players including Knowledge Musona, Costa Nhamoinesu, Marvelous Nakamba and Nyasha Mushekwi are only expected to arrive here after December 26 as they still have club commitments.

Warriors’ skipper and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande and all the South African based players are concluding their league matches on December 22 and break for Christmas.

However, it would also be too late for them to make the traveling party to West Africa.

The team, which is expected to go into camp on Thursday are likely to travel after a day of training.

It is something which should be a matter of concern to gaffer Callisto Pasuwa considering that the local league is off season.

Pasuwa’s team will not be short on experience though as it still have regular Warriors, the likes of goalkeepers Tatenda Mukuruva and Benard Donovan, Hardlife Zvirekwi, Elisha Muroiwa and Marshall Mudehwe.

The coach has given a call up to Golden Boot winner Leonard Tsipa while drafting the bulk of the COSAFA and CHAN squad members into the team.

There is only one foreign based player in the squad, Swedish based Tinotenda Kadewere, who is home for off season.

Abidjan Squad: Benard Donovan, Tatenda Mukuruva, Hardlife Zvirekwi, Elisha Muroiwa, Lawrence Mhlanga, Teenage Hadebe, Tendai Ndlovu, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Chakoroma, Lewis Kutinyu, Ronald Chitiyo, Marshal Mudehwe, Talent Chawapiwa, Walter Musona, Malvin Gaki, Pritchard Mpelele, Tinotenda Kadewere, Leonard Tsipa.