Steve Vickers BBC Sport, Harare

Mwaruwari is all set for his first Nations Cup

Zimbabwe coach Charles Mhlauri named his 23-man squad for the forthcoming Nations Cup finals in Egypt on Tuesday.

Benjani Mwaruwari is set for his first taste of the Nations Cup and stands out as the biggest name in the squad.

The France-based striker missed the Warriors' debut Nations Cup appearance in 2004 due to injury.

Peter Ndlovu will captain the side, in what may well be the 32-year-old's last international assignment.

There are few surprises in the squad, although striker Gilbert Mushangazhike, who last played for Zimbabwe in 2001, has received a call-up.

There are only three Europe-based players in the final 23, with the remainder turning out in South Africa or in Zimbabwe, with the exception of Mushangazhike, who plays in China.

Zimbabwe are due to play a friendly against Egypt in Cairo on Thursday, before moving to France for a training camp.

Mhlauri believes that the preparations in the lead-up to the tournament will be crucial to the Warriors' chances.

"There is still a lot of work to be done in all departments of the team," he told BBC Sport.

"But at least we know the areas that we need to work on, and I'm sure we can do it in the next two weeks or so."

Zimbabwe will play in Group D in Port Said against Senegal, Ghana and Nigeria.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Energy Murambadoro (CAPS United), Tapuwa Kapini (Highlanders), Gift Muzadzi (CAPS United)

Defenders: James Matola (Buymore), Dumisani Mpofu (Bushbucks, South Africa), Zvenyika Makonese (Santos, South Africa), George Mbwando (Jahnregensburg, Germany), Charles Yohane (Wits University, South Africa), Cephas Chimedza (Germinal Beerschot, Belgium), Bekithemba Ndlovu (Silver Stars, South Africa)

Midfielders: Edelbert Dinha (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Esrom Nyandoro (Sundowns, South Africa), Tinashe Nengomasha (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Joel Lupahla (SuperSport United, South Africa), Edzai Kasinauyo (Moroka Swallows, South Africa), Francis Chandidia (Buymore), Lloyd Chitembwe (CAPS United), Ronald Sibanda (Amazulu)

Strikers: Benjani Mwaruwari (AJ Auxerre, France), Peter Ndlovu (Sundowns, South Africa), Shingirai Kawondera (unattached), Brian Badza (CAPS United), Gilbert Mushangazhike (Jiangsu Shuntian, China).