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Bruce Chikuni
As the Warriors face Cameroon in today’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, former defender Zhaimu Jambo backs skipper Marshal Munetsi to tame the Indomitable Lions’ creative force, Zambo Anguissa.
Jambo’s confidence stems from Munetsi’s experience against Lionel Messi, arguably the best footballer of all time.
Munetsi’s decent show against Messi three seasons ago has Jambo convinced he can handle Anguissa’s creative prowess.
Munetsi, Stade Reims’ vice-captain, made Messi’s PSG debut unpleasant with a top-drawer man-marking shift, leaving many Zimbabweans believing he was ready for the English Premiership.
Cameroon, coming off a 1-0 win against Namibia, leads Group J with three points. Anguissa, Napoli’s creative sparkplug, will be expected to deliver another masterstroke.
The 29-year-old was key in Napoli’s 33-league-title wait end last season and earned a spot in the CAF Team of the Year.
However, Jambo warns that Munetsi’s tendency to venture forward could expose the defence if not addressed by coach Micheal Nees.
The midfield duo of Munetsi and Andy Rinomhota failed to communicate against Kenya, leaving the defence vulnerable.
“Munetsi’s influence will be key in deciding the outcome,” said Jambo.
“He’s played with better players than those in the Cameroon squad before. What he did against Messi when he was still at PSG should give us hope.”
“He contained him very well and it shows we have the players with the quality to cause harm at any stage.”
Jambo believes the Warriors can make the match tough for Cameroon if they win the midfield battle.
“Munetsi and Rinomhota must get it right this time. They can’t afford to repeat how they applied themselves against Kenya without the ball.”
With Anguissa linking up with Cameroon’s deadly trio of Vincent Aboubakar, Bryan Mbeumo, and Christian Bassogog, a tough task awaits the Warriors’ defense.
But Jambo is convinced Khama Billiat can lead the charge if Munetsi and Rinomhota contain Anguissa and his cohorts.
Online Reporter