Nees demands more discipline . . .Warriors coach wary of Indomitable Lions threat

Langton Nyakwenda in KAMPALA, Uganda

AFTER describing Friday’s goalless draw against Kenya as a “good landing”, new Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees is now demanding more discipline from his charges when the Warriors engage in their next 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group J qualifying assignment.

The Warriors face off against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at the Mandela National Stadium on Tuesday.

The match against Kenya’s Harambee Stars was Nees’ first assignment since the German was appointed as Zimbabwe coach last month on a two-year deal.

The Warriors were shaky in some phases of that game and played second fiddle to the Kenyans for much of the game.

Nees’ men, however, finished the game strongly and are hoping to build on from that performance and get a positive result against Cameroon.

But given Cameroon’s pedigree, it will not be an easy afternoon for the Warriors on Tuesday and Nees, who once took charge of Seychelles, acknowledged as much.

“It’s a big game and we have to adjust,” he said. “We have to be more disciplined, we need to do more when pressing.”

Zimbabwe and Cameroon rarely clash.

They have only played twice since their famous meeting at the 2004 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia, where Zimbabwe were making their debut appearance.

The Warriors lost 3-5 against Cameroon, but won a lot of plaudits for scoring three past the African giants 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 in Gabon.

Zimbabwe then lost 0-1 against Cameroon at the 2021 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) finals in Yaounde.

Midfielder Richard Hachiro, who was on the bench when Zimbabwe played Kenya on Friday, started in that match.

Hachiro’s Ngezi Platinum Stars clubmate, Obriel Chirinda, who was also an unused substitute against the Harambee Stars, came on for Wellington Taderera in that encounter against Cameroon.

Highlanders defender Andrew Mbeba, who is also part of the squad in Kampala, was an unused substitute in that loss in Yaounde.

But that was then.

Zimbabwe will no doubt face a different Cameroon and on a much bigger 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 AFCON finals in Cote d’Ivoire, where they crashed out in the round of 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.

He recovered from the confusion and collected four points against Cape Verde and Angola.

For this campaign, Cameroon’s camp was hit by chaos to the extent that Eto’o had to put the Under-20 team on standby for yesterday’s match against Namibia when senior players failed to turn up for camp.

Reports indicate the standoff was later resolved.

Brys has what looks like a strong 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 explains why Nees is wary of his next opponents.

The 57-year-old German was, however, impressed by his charges on Friday.

He 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, Andy Rinomhota, stamped his authority in the centre of the park, but was not complemented by skipper Marshall Munetsi, who had a bad day in office.

Polokwane City striker Douglas Mapfumo came on as a second-half striker and made some brilliant moves in a very short space of time.

Mapfumo and Chirinda are the natural centre forwards in the Warriors ensemble that is in East Africa.

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 subsequently hauled off in the second half.

“I was satisfied with the performance. We battled at the beginning, a little bit shaky, a little bit crampy, I must admit,” said Nees.

The German believes things will come right.

“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,” he said.

He now wants his players to play from the back, but with a little bit of urgency, and he is optimistic they will soon get it right and grasp his philosophy.