We need to improve, says coach as Zimbabwe take on Cameroon

By Supersport

Zimbabwe will clash with Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification group J match at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda on Tuesday.

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.

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 against Angola.

TEAM NEWS

Both teams are yet to report injuries in their camps and there are no suspension worries coming into their second match in group C.

German tactician Michael Nees was in charge of his first game as Zimbabwe’s coach against Kenya.

Meanwhile, Belgian mentor Marc Brys is undefeated as Cameroon coach, having taken charge of three matches – winning two and drawing one.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees:

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

Cameroon head coach Marc Brys:

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

HEAD-TO-HEAD

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.