Zimbabwe frustrate Cameroon in goalless AFCON qualifier
Zimbabwe held Cameroon to a 0-0 draw in a tightly contested Group J match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Tuesday at the Mandela Stadium in Uganda. Both teams created opportunities but were unable to find the breakthrough, leaving the points shared in a result that will likely leave both sides frustrated.
Cameroon, the favorites going into the match, started brightly and nearly grabbed an early lead.
Just four minutes in, striker Vincent Aboubakar delivered a well-timed pass into the Zimbabwean penalty area, setting up Bryan Mbeumo for a promising chance.
However, Mbeumo’s shot failed to hit the target, soaring over the crossbar to the relief of Zimbabwe’s defense.
Zimbabwe responded swiftly, determined to show they were not there to merely defend.
In the eighth minute, Knowledge Musona, the Warriors’ experienced captain, created a chance with a clever pass to Andy Rinomhota, who surged forward with purpose.
Rinomhota unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, but the ball whizzed narrowly past the post, leaving Zimbabwe’s fans on the edge of their seats.
The match remained evenly poised as both sides battled for control of the midfield.
Cameroon, with the likes of André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Martin Hongla dictating play, pushed Zimbabwe back but struggled to break down the resilient Warriors.
Zimbabwe’s defense, led by Takwara and Garananga, held firm, repeatedly thwarting Cameroon’s attacks.
Despite Cameroon’s superior possession, Zimbabwe’s organization and discipline made it difficult for the Indomitable Lions to create clear-cut chances.
Vincent Aboubakar, Cameroon’s star striker, was kept quiet for most of the match, while Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper, Washington Arubi, made a series of comfortable saves to keep his team in the game.
The second half saw more of the same, with both teams searching for the elusive goal.
Cameroon’s coach made several substitutions in an attempt to inject fresh energy into the attack, bringing on Karl Toko Ekambi and Olivier Ntcham, but the Zimbabwean defense remained unyielding.
As the clock ticked down, Zimbabwe had a few late surges forward but could not find the decisive pass to unlock the Cameroonian defense.
In the end, the match ended in a goalless draw, a result that keeps both teams in the running for AFCON qualification but leaves much to be desired in terms of finishing.
Line-ups:
Zimbabwe Starting XI: Arubi; Godknows, Garananga, Takwara; Musona, Munetsi, Rinomhota, Billiat, Zemura; Mpadumo, Prince Dube.
Subs: Tavaziva, Bernard, Banda, Mbeba, Hadebe, Jalai, Chirwa, Hachiro, Maswanhise, Msendai, Chirinda.
Cameroon Starting XI: Onana; Tchatchoua, Ngadeu, Wooh, Tolo; Baleba, Mbeumo, Anguissa, Hongla, Bassogog; Aboubakar.
Subs: Simon, Omossola, Fai, Kilama, Dibango, Enow, Neyou, Ntcham, N’Koudou, Zé, Magri.
