Sports Writer
Cameroon edged Zimbabwe with a score of “2-1” in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification Group J match held at the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo on Tuesday afternoon.
This victory allowed the Indomitable Lions to conclude a successful qualifying campaign, finishing at the top of the Group J standings unbeaten, with “four victories and two draws.”
The Warriors, meanwhile, came into this match having already qualified for the finals, finishing second in the group standings with “two victories, three draws, and one defeat,” which occurred on the final day of the qualifiers.
From the outset, the Indomitable Lions applied pressure on the Warriors’ defense. They broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Vincent Aboubakar “burst into the visitors’ box” and scored his “42nd international goal,” giving Cameroon a “1-0 lead.”
Cameroon doubled their lead just five minutes later, in the 23rd minute, when Christian Bassogog’s long pass found Georges-Kevin N’koudou, who “cut inside from the left before firing past goalkeeper Washington Arubi,” putting Cameroon “2-0 up at halftime.”
After the break, the Warriors sought to unlock the Indomitable Lions’ solid defense, prompting coach Michael Nees to introduce attackers Terrence Dzvukamanja and Prince Dube in the 59th minute. Dzvukamanja made an immediate impact, as he “beat Manchester United’s No. 1, Andre Onana,” reducing the deficit in the 73rd minute. However, Cameroon managed to hold on to secure a “2-1 win.”
Cameroon Lineup: Onana, Wooh, Boyomo, Tolo, Tchatchoua, Anguissa, Hongla (Castelletto 78′), N’Koudou, Magri (Soko 69′), Bassagog (Neyou 70′), Aboubakar (Moumi Ngamaleu 90’+3).
Zimbabwe Lineup: Arubi, Murwira (Machope 86′), Lunga, Garan’anga, Hadebe, Nakamba, Rinomhota (Musona 74′), Zemura, Billiat, Mapfumo (Dube 59′), Maswanhise (Dzvukamanja 59′).
Zim GBC Sports News©2024