Elvis Chipezeze says he is working hard so that he gets a chance to represent Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt this year.

The former Chicken Inn goalkeeper missed out on selection in the qualifying campaign despite settling well at his new club Baroka in the ABSA Premiership. There were high hopes he could be called up for the last qualifier against Congo Brazzaville last week, but the coaches opted for Edmore Sibanda and Petros Mhari to give cover to first-choice keeper George Chigova.

In an interview with KickOff.com, Chipezeze is hopeful that he will make it into the final 23-man squad that coach Sunday Chidzambwa will choose for the finals.

“I am happy my brother because as a nation this is what we always wanted, and that is to qualify [for the AFCON finals],” said Chipezeze on Warriors’ qualification.

“Hopefully now it’s time to work extra hard and be there in the final 23-man squad.”

The draw for the Nations Cup finals will be held on April 12 with twenty-four teams contesting the continental showpiece.