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Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
MICHAEL NEES is a happy man.
The Warriors coach has seen his squad emerge from their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group J qualifying assignments without much blemish.
Zimbabwe are bidding for a place at the next AFCON tournament scheduled for Morocco next January.
They opened their quest to be one of the two teams qualifying from the group, facing Kenya’s Harambee Stars at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala Uganda.
Last Friday’s encounter against Kenya was also Nees’ first assignment in charge of the Warriors since the German gaffer’s appointment at the end of last month, and it ended in a goalless affair.
There was little time to rest and regroup as the Warriors needed to host Cameroon at the same venue on Tuesday.
As was the case against Kenya, the Warriors could only settle for another goalless draw against the Indomitable Lions as they hosted the former African champions in Kampala.
The Warriors and the Harambe Stars do not have Confederation of African Football facilities and have had to play their home games away from home.
And because of their challenges both Zimbabwe and Kenya are, also having to host their opponents on foreign soil.
Despite being early days for the Warriors under a new tactician, they have not disappointed in their overall performance over the two games.
They refused to be bullied into playing second fiddle in both games against the Harambee Stars and the Indomitable Lions.
They took the game to their opponents and should, with more precision and some luck, have won in each of their assignments.
While they laboured in the first tie against Kenya, there was a marked improvement in the Warriors show as they exhibited little respect for the Indomitable Lions and bossed over their more illustrious opponents.
Such was the tenacity with which the Warriors fought that Cameroon were restricted in every aspect so much that they failed to test veteran Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi throughout the game.
That showing on Tuesday left Nees with renewed optimism about the Warriors’ prospects.
“I think this was a 0-0 of better quality. It was a good game of good performance and good scoring chances,” he said of Tuesday’s game.
“Both teams tried to play football. We never set back but continued to go forward.
“Our level of confidence on the ball is improving. We had some very good combinations under pressure.
“I am a real coach about the performance of my team.
“I am super-excited about the performance, I think better finishing will also come out as we go.
“I am satisfied with everybody on the team.
“We had a short time together but the togetherness is incredible”.
Nees revealed that he had told his players to expect some hard time against the five-time African champions, not less as they were facing the Goliath on a neutral venue.
On a day they were the home side, thousands of Uganda’s Manchester United fans turned up backing the Red Devils’ goalie Onana. And they were rallying for Cameroon to prevail but it was Zimbabwe who caused the Giants a lot of problems throughout the match.
“I told the players that we are playing in Uganda but just try to forget about that. I am glad the players listened and they showed they wanted it more,” added Nees.
“It was a really good performance and a better one from the last match against Kenya.
“Finishing is also a mental game and we need to improve.
“We worked a lot about ball possession and ball circulation and you could see that we did well”.
With the returning Khama Billiat balancing things up and midfielder Andy Rinomhota’s industry key, defender Munashe Garananga was decisive in muting Cameroon’s captain and danger man Vincent Aboubakar.
“All I can say is that all my players gave a good shift. Billiat was once again on top of his game and the midfield was functional, so was the defence,” said Nees.
“I am satisfied and looking forward to the next games already”.
Online Reporter