Langton Nyakwenda in Kampala, Uganda
WARRIORS coach Michael Nees has demanded more discipline from his charges when they face off against The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in an African Cup of Nations qualifier at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium on Tuesday.
The Harambee Stars of Kenya were Nees’ first assignment since the German’s unveiling in Harare last month.
He described Friday’s goalless draw as a “good landing.”
The Warriors, who were shaky in some phases of that game, are hoping to build on from that performance and get a positive result against Cameroon in their second Group J qualifier.
“It’s a big game and we have to adjust,” Nees said.
He added: “We have to be more disciplined, we need to do more when pressing.”
Zimbabwe and Cameroon rarely clash.
They have only played against each other twice since their famous meeting at the 2004 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia, where Zimbabwe were making their debut appearance.
The Warriors lost 5-3 against Cameroon, but won a lot of plaudits for scoring three past an African giant, on their maiden dance on the Afcon finals stage.
The two nations drew 1-1 in a friendly match ahead of the 2017 Afcon finals.
Zimbabwe then lost 1-0 against Cameroon at the 2021 African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals in Yaounde.
Richard Hachiro, who was on the bench when Zimbabwe drew 0-0 against Kenya here on Friday, started that match.
Obriel Chirinda, who was an unused substitute against the Harambee Stars, came on for Wellington Taderera in the second half.
Andrew Mbeba who is also part of the squad in Kampala, was an unused substitute in that loss against Cameroon in Yaounde.
But, Zimbabwe will face a different Cameroon, on a different stage, on Tuesday.
The Indomitable Lions are unbeaten since the controversial appointment of 61-year-old Belgian coach Marc Brys in April.
Cameroon thrashed Cape Verde 4-1 at home and drew against Angola away, in the World Cup qualifiers held in June.
Brys replaced local favourite and former national team star defender Rigobert Song, after Cameroon’s below par show at the African Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire, where they crashed out in the last 16.
There have been reports though, which suggest that Brys’ relationship with Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) president and former Indomitable Lions striker Samuel Eto’o is rocky.
Eto’o feels the Belgian was imposed by the country’s Sports Ministry.
According to reports, chaos has stalked Cameroon since the appointment of Brys.
The Belgian was sacked before taking charge of a single game following a dispute with (Fecafoot) before he was reinstated ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in June.
However, Brys recovered from the confusion and collected four points against Cape Verde and Angola.
The Belgian has what looks like an appetising squad on paper.
Manchester United keeper Andre Onana, Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo and Andre-Frank Anguissa who plays for former Serie A champions Napoli are part of the Cameroon squad.
Christian Bassogog of Turkish Super Lig side Ankaragucu is also another key player for The Indomitable Lions.
The five-time African champions still have veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar in their ranks.
That’s why Zimbabwe coach Nees is wary of the West Africans.
The German was however, impressed with his charges on Friday, when Zimbabwe played out a goalless draw against Kenya on Friday.
Nees thought his side improved as the game wore on.
Khama Billiat, who was making his first appearance on his return from retirement, was impressive.
Cardiff City player, And Rinomhota, stamped his authority at the centre of the park but was not complemented by skipper Marshal Munetsi who had a bad game.
Polokwane City striker, Douglas Mapfumo, came on as a second half striker and made some brilliant moves in a very short space of time.
Much was expected from Derby County loanee Tawanda Chirewa, but the 20-year-old could not live up to his billing, as he struggled in a number 10 role.
He was hauled off in the second half.
“I was satisfied with the performance, we battled at the beginning, a little but shaky, a little bit crampy, I must admit,” said Nees.
The German believes things will come right.
Michael Nees
“We had our first training on Monday together, Tuesday the second and basically we had a full squad on Wednesday.
“Two sessions with a full squad and the danger is we are going to overload the players and forget everything.
“We created some chances, but our game could be improved.
“Overall, I am satisfied with the type of play, I think they did well,” added Nees.
The German wants his players to play from the back, but with a little bit of urgency and he is optimistic his charges will soon grasp his philosophy.
