Paul Nyathi|Zimbabwean striker Nyasha Mushekwi has been included in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier squad named on Wednesday.

Group G leaders Zimbabwe travel to Congo Brazzaville for the September 9 match, after thumping Liberia 3-0 in their opening game in Harare last year.

Mushekwi together with ex-Warriors captain Willard Katsande, Cuthbert Malajila and Matthew Rusike were banned from the Warriors by Zifa for allegedly inciting a protest over non-payment of bonuses last year.

The quartet was pointed out as ringleaders of a mutiny that saw players snub a send-off dinner just before their departure for the Afcon finals in Gabon.

This then saw the four being excluded from the Liberia win by then interim coach Norman Mapeza in June last year, their last game with the Warriors being in Gabon.

But with Mushekwi currently enjoying some scintillating form in the Chinese Super League, Zimbabwe coach Sunday Chidzambga might not be able to overlook the former Mamelodi Sundowns striker.

A hat-trick in last Friday’s 3-0 thumping of Guangzhou R&F upped Mushekwi’s season tally to seven goals in 10 league appearances.

For the fear of public backlash, Zifa appear to have backtracked on Mushekwi following a lot of noise in the Zimbabwean media which has amplified the player’s case.

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Katsande could not make the comeback, while Malajila and Rusike were sidelined due to loss of form.

Mushekwi’s return would bolster Chidzambga’s strikeforce which has captain Knowledge Musona and Evans Rusike as the most recognisable players.