Zimbabwe look to bring Cameroon back down to earth

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Monday Sep 09, 2024. 13:30

Zimbabwe will be looking to stun a confident Cameroon side when they meet in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Tuesday.

Kick-off is at 6:00 pm CAT.

The Group J match is scheduled to take place at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda’s largest city and capital, Kampala.

The Warriors played to a 0-0 draw with Kenya in their first Group J encounter which was staged at the Mandela National Stadium on Friday as the away side.

Zimbabwe are winless in their last two matches across all competitions having registered a defeat to Kenya in an international friendly before drawing in the 2025 AFCON qualifier.

“One thing is we have to improve against Cameroon, they are a good side there is no doubt about that,” Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees said.

“So, the players need to apply themselves using their experience and they need to apply their game intelligence. Our two old guys saved us in this game (Kenya game) that is Khama [Billiat] and Washington [Arubi]. Obviously, that is experience and with a bit of luck we could have won the match.”

Meanwhile, Cameroon had to dig deep to secure a 1-0 win over Namibia in their opening Group J game which was played at the Japoma Stadium in Douala on Saturday.

The victory extended the Indomitable Lions’ unbeaten run to three matches across all competitions having recorded two wins and one draw which came against Angola.

“It was a difficult match. The heat didn’t help us, and despite having good ball possession and creating chances,” Cameroon coach Marc Brys said.

“Namibia’s direct play was always a threat with long balls behind us. I’m happy with the movement in our game, especially down the flanks. But we couldn’t finish our chances. After the goal, we stayed calm and held our heads high.”

Zimbabwe and Cameroon have met 11 times across all competitions and the Indomitable Lions have dominated this rivalry – winning seven games compared to the Warriors’ three wins, while one match ended in a draw.

Their last meeting ended in a 1-0 win in favour of Cameroon in a 2020 CHAN Group A match played at the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde in January 2021.