By McGeorge Mbare
The Zimbabwean Warriors squad displayed an amazing positive energy, fighting spirit and cohesion in their AFCON qualifier campaign against Cameroon yesterday. The match ended in a nil all stalemate but it was the much improved performance by the Zimbabweans that took centre stage in the post match analysis.
Michael Nees’s second match in charge had the Warriors displaying a performance that inspired confidence in their fans back home as they pegged back the Indomitable Lions.
The team made a mockery of 51st FIFA ranking of the Cameroonians , which included, Manchester United’s goal keeper Andre Onana, Vincent Aboubakar and Brentford Bryan Mbeumo..
Michael Nees ‘team created most chances than the indomitable lions, with 5 shots on target whilst Cameroon had none on target. It was unfortunate the Warriors were unable to find the back of the net to give them a goal their hunting skills on the pitch deserved.
The inclusion of experienced players by Nees like Khama Billiat and Washington Arubi proved a masterstroke that reinforced the strength of the squad. Arubi’s command of his defence and reading of the game reminded most of the assurance the team last had in goals during the days of Energy Murambadoro, Tapiwa Kapini and Gift Umbro Muzadzi.
With only just over a week together under Nees, the team now has a visible style of play, are playing with a lot more confidence that has their fans believing the good old days when the Warriors had become a common feature at Afcon might be back soon.
The team did everything right except scoring and as the team prepares for the next back to back fixtures against Southern African compatriots Namibia, ZIFA needs to render all the support th coach and his team needs as those two games will no doubt shape the quest for Afcon qualification.
The draw yesterday means Zimbabwe has two points, two behind Cameroon and Kenya who are on four each. Only two teams will emerge from the group and th Warriors have all to do to be among the top two but the early signs have been positive.
Here is the starting 11 for both Zimbabwea and Cameroon :Arubi, Murwira, Takwara, Garan’anga, Zemura, Rinhomhota, Munetsi ©, Billiat, Musona, Mapfumo, Dube.
Cameroon XI: Onana, Wooh, Ngadeu, Nouhou, Tchatchoua, Baleba, Anguissa, Hongla,Bassagog, Mbeumo, Aboubakar