Zimbabwe 0-0 Cameroon

KAMPALA, Uganda – Zimbabwe were left to rue missed chances as coach Michael Nees praised an improved performance in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group J qualifying match which ended in stalemate with Cameroon at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, on Tuesday.

The Warriors were more than a match for their much-fancied rivals, who won the tournament in 2017.

With a little composure in the final third, Zimbabwe could have pulled off an upset, but they settled for their second goalless draw in a slow start to the qualifiers for the finals being hosted by Guinea next year.

“It was a 0-0 of better quality, we did not sit back, and our level of confidence on the ball was higher,” Nees reflected at full time, comparing their outing to the draw with Kenya at the same stadium last Saturday.

“We deserved a little more with better finishing. Time will come when we will score.”

The Warriors carved the first real chance after four minutes when Khama Billiat dragged his effort across Andre Onana’s goal after he was played through by Marshall Munetsi.

Bryan Mbeumo then fluffed a chance to put the Indomitable Lions in front after 10 minutes when he failed to direct his header from a cross by Christian Bassogog.

Billiat, playing his second match for Zimbabwe after ending his international exile, was a constant thorn in the flesh for Cameroon and almost conjured the opener on the half hour mark only to see his freekick sail just over.

Walter Musona and Douglas Mapfumo went close after the break before Billiat against drew a fine save from Onana.

Veteran Vincent Aboubakar could have won it for Cameroon at the death but shot wide of Washington Arubi’s goal.

“It’s a game we could have won and we are glad we didn’t lose it,” Billiat said.

Nees, in only his second game in charge, saw some improvement from the drab draw with Kenya.

“We worked a lot on our defence, we worked a lot on ball distribution. I am super satisfied with the performance because we had such a short time together,” the German said.

Zimbabwe, who were home for this fixture, are forced to play their matches outside the country because the country’s stadiums have been condemned by FIFA.

Zimbabwe: W. Arubi, G. Murwira, M. Munetsi, K. Billiat, W. Musona (T. Chirewa 86), M. Garananga, A. Rinomhota, G. Takwara, D. Mapfumo (T. Hadebe 90 + 4), J. Zemura, P. Dube (O. Chirinda 78)