Zimbabwe held Cameroon to a 0-0 draw in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group J qualifier on Tuesday evening at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda. The result leaves both teams grappling for better form in the qualification campaign, with the Warriors earning their second consecutive draw, while Cameroon secured a point after a hard-fought battle.
The goalless draw sees Zimbabwe sitting third in the Group J standings, while Cameroon, with a win and a draw, remains second.
Despite both teams pushing for a breakthrough, neither side could find the decisive moment in front of goal.
Zimbabwe made an early statement of intent, creating the first clear opportunity of the match just four minutes in.
Marshall Munetsi, one of Zimbabwe’s key midfielders, set up Khama Billiat with a well-timed pass, but the Yadah FC forward’s effort sailed wide, squandering an opportunity to take an early lead.
Cameroon responded with increasing pressure as the first half progressed.
The Indomitable Lions, led by their talismanic captain Vincent Aboubakar, finished the half strongly and nearly took the lead just before the break.
In the 44th minute, Aboubakar found himself with a golden chance to open the scoring but misfired, sending his shot high over the crossbar.
The teams headed into the halftime break with the score locked at 0-0.
The second half saw Cameroon continue to press, but Zimbabwe’s defense stood firm, aided by some sharp goalkeeping from George Chigova.
Zimbabwe also came close to breaking the deadlock, with Munetsi once again involved.
His headed effort in the 57th minute lacked the necessary power to beat Cameroon’s goalkeeper Andre Onana, who was becoming increasingly busy between the posts.
Onana, who currently plays for Manchester United, produced another vital save in the 64th minute, denying Billiat with an impressive stop to keep Cameroon in the game.
Despite some late pressure from both sides, neither team could find a way through, and the match ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw.
The result leaves Zimbabwe and Cameroon sharing the spoils, with both sides missing opportunities to seize control of Group J.
Zimbabwe’s solid defensive performance earned them a valuable point, while Cameroon will be left to reflect on missed chances, particularly Aboubakar’s squandered opportunity just before halftime.
Teams:
Zimbabwe: Arubi, Godknows, Garananga, Takwara, Musona (Chirewa 86′), Munetsi, Rinomhota, Billiat, Zemura, Mapfumo (Hadebe 90’+6), Dube (Chirinda 79′).
Cameroon: Onana, Tchatchoua, Ngadeu, Wooh, Nouhou (Kilama 68′), Baleba (Ntcham 90’+6), Mbeumo, Anguissa (Kunde 68′), Hongla (Neyou 68′), Bassogog (Magri 68′), Aboubakar.
