2025 AFCON Qualifiers : Warriors Hold Lions

Yesterday September 10, 2024 was not a happy one for the Marc Brys-led Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. In effect, the team was held to goalless draw by the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala. The game counted for the second day of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The 0-0 result is a sharp contrast to predictions that weighed in favour of the Lions’ victory; looking at the football pedigree of both nations. Nonetheless, it buttressed the fact that football is being played on the pitch and not on papers.
Coach Marc Brys opted to stick with the starting lineup that had proven successful against Namibia in their previous match. However, the Lions' early promise soon faded, as they failed to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities. Midfielder Andre Franck Zambo Anguissa was particularly disappointing, struggling to find his rhythm throughout the game. The quality of play of the Lions dropped as the game progressed. The finishing was a nightmare and the targeted shots were as rare as water in the desert. 
As the Cameroonians sank, the Zimbabweans grew in confidence. This was evident in the second half. The Warriors started strongly; threatening the goal area of the goalkeeper Andre Onana. With this threat, Coach Marc Brys had to act as fast as possible but he delayed until about the 70th minute before injecting new blood. He made a total four changes at once. He freshened up the midfield by bringing in Kunde Malong in the place of Anguissa and Yvan Neyou in the place of Martin Hongla. To look for the goals, he brought in Franck Magri in replacement of Chr...