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Tadious Manyepo
ZIMBABWE are officially at home in this fixture but the Warriors will virtually be walking into a lion’s den for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying expedition against giants Cameroon at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda this afternoon.
The Warriors will need to sharpen up and get a positive outcome against the five-time African champions who lead Group J standings on three points after a single match.
And they will need all their hunting tools ready for the blockbuster battle with coach Michael Nees emphasizing that his personnel should improve in all the game’s aspects.
“One thing is we have to improve against Cameroon, they are a good side, there is no doubt about that,” said Nees.
“So, the players need to apply themselves using their experience and they need to apply their game intelligence.
“Our two old guys saved us in this game (Kenya game) that is Khama [Billiat] and Washington [Arubi]. Obviously, that is experience and with a bit of luck we could have won the match”.
Midfielder Andy Rinomhota said the Warriors are calibrated enough for the huge test against Cameroon as they will build on the pluses which they picked from the match against Kenya.
“You know it will be a big test. Cameroon is a big team. We are just trying to build on the momentum from our last game. We are looking to impose ourselves on them,” said Rinomhota.
“We need to try and get the win to move into a good position that will give us a good feeling and a lot of optimism.
“Cameroon is a big team and they are very competitive. They have some of the best players in the world who play for some of the biggest teams in the world.
“But we are not focusing on those factors. We are focusing on ourselves as individuals and as a team.
“What is important is our focus and what we will do in the 90 minutes we will be on the pitch.”
Rinomhota, who had an exceptional game in the match against Kenya, bullying the Harambee Stars’ midfielders, said the Warriors are growing in terms of balance and they should tap on the chemistry to floor their fancied West African opposition.
“In the short time we have had with the new coach, it has been looking good. It’s been really good.
“We want to build on the positives from the last match and we are optimistic going into the match against Cameroon.
“The team is growing in terms of combinations and telepathy. That should all come to play as we face Cameroon tomorrow (today).
“It’s a really big game for us given what is at stake and what we want to achieve as Zimbabwe”.
Probable Warriors Line-Up
Washington Arubi, Andrew Mbeba, Jordan Zemura, Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garan’anga, Marshal Munetsi, Andy Rinomhota, Khama Billiat, Tawanda Chirewa, Walter Musona, Prince Dube
Online Reporter