Wenslus Murape
Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
MICHAEL NEES is a happy man.
The Warriors’ German gaffer has seen his squad emerge from their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations two qualifiers without blemish.
Zimbabwe opened their quest for appearance in Morocco with a goalless draw against Kenya last Friday before settling for the same scoreline with giants Cameroon on Tuesday.
Both games were played at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda with Kenya the home team last week and the Warriors hosting the Indomitable Lions on Tuesday.
The Harambee Stars and the Warriors do not have approved stadia to host international games in their respective countries and they opted to play in Uganda.
Zimbabwe are the fourth seed in the four-team Group J pool that also has Namibia.
But Nees’ men refused to be second best in both games, playing with so much aplomb and they could have easily won those matches with a bit lucky.
While they laboured on in the first tie against Kenya, Zimbabwe bossed their more illustrious opponents Cameroon on Tuesday, restricting them in every aspect so much that the Indomitable Lions failed to test veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi in the entire game.
And Nees was left with renewed optimism about the Warriors’ prospects.
He hailed his charges for a confident display and much improved quality.
“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 really 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 really 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 in 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 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 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 really showed they wanted it more,” added Nees.
“It was a really good performance and 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 in the middle of the park, 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