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Controversial offside spoils Zimbabwe Warriors fightback
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Cameroon 2 - 1 Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe's Warriors suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group J qualifier at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé yesterday, with a controversial refereeing decision overshadowing the encounter.
Burundian referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana disallowed what would have been a dramatic injury-time equalizer by Terrence Dzvukamanja, ruling it offside despite television replays showing no infringement. The decision denied Zimbabwe a deserved point against the five-time African champions, who have been unbeaten at their fortress for 52 years.
The match started poorly for the Warriors, with defensive lapses allowing Cameroon to take control early. Indomitable Lions captain Vincent Aboubakar struck in the 18th minute, firing a powerful shot past goalkeeper Washington Arubi. Just five minutes later, Georges-Kevin N'Koudou doubled the lead after capitalizing on a defensive error to slot the ball home.
Despite the setback, Arubi kept the Warriors in the game with several outstanding saves, denying Cameroon opportunities to extend their lead further.
In the second half, Zimbabwe regrouped and showed resilience. Head coach Michael Nees introduced Dzvukamanja and Prince Dube, who brought energy and purpose to the attack. Dzvukamanja halved the deficit in the 73rd minute with a clinical finish from Jordan Zemura's assist.
Dzvukamanja almost equalized twice in the dying moments. First, his header struck the upright with Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana beaten. Then, in stoppage time, he found the net again, only for the referee to controversially rule the goal offside.
Speaking after the match, Nees acknowledged his team's slow start, attributing it to travel fatigue and lack of preparation time.
"We were not only physically but also mentally not in the game in the first half," Nees said. "But in the second half, we showed character and proved we could challenge Cameroon. I believe we deserved a draw, but sometimes football can be cruel."
The defeat was Zimbabwe's first in the qualifiers, leaving them second in Group J with nine points. Cameroon topped the group with 14 points, while Kenya and Namibia were eliminated.
The Warriors will now turn their focus to next year's AFCON in Morocco, where they aim to build on the positives from their campaign and compete against the continent's best. While the loss in Yaoundé stung, their fighting spirit and quality in the second half showed that they could be a formidable side in the tournament.
Teams
Cameroon: A. Onana, C. Wooh, E. Boyomo, N. Tolo, T. Jackson, Z. Anguissa, H. Martin, F. Magri (P. Soko, 69th min), G. Nkoudou, C. Bassogog (Y. Neyou, 6th min), A. Vincent (M. Ngomaleu, 90th min)
Zimbabwe: W. Arubi, G. Murwira (T. Machope, 85th min), D. Lunga, M. Garan'anga, T. Hadebe, M. Nakamba, A. Rinomhota (W. Musona, 73rd min), J. Zemura, K. Billiat, D. Mapfumo (P. Dube, 59th min), T. Maswanhise (A. Dzvukamanja, 59th min).
Zimbabwe's Warriors suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group J qualifier at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé yesterday, with a controversial refereeing decision overshadowing the encounter.
Burundian referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana disallowed what would have been a dramatic injury-time equalizer by Terrence Dzvukamanja, ruling it offside despite television replays showing no infringement. The decision denied Zimbabwe a deserved point against the five-time African champions, who have been unbeaten at their fortress for 52 years.
The match started poorly for the Warriors, with defensive lapses allowing Cameroon to take control early. Indomitable Lions captain Vincent Aboubakar struck in the 18th minute, firing a powerful shot past goalkeeper Washington Arubi. Just five minutes later, Georges-Kevin N'Koudou doubled the lead after capitalizing on a defensive error to slot the ball home.
Despite the setback, Arubi kept the Warriors in the game with several outstanding saves, denying Cameroon opportunities to extend their lead further.
In the second half, Zimbabwe regrouped and showed resilience. Head coach Michael Nees introduced Dzvukamanja and Prince Dube, who brought energy and purpose to the attack. Dzvukamanja halved the deficit in the 73rd minute with a clinical finish from Jordan Zemura's assist.
Dzvukamanja almost equalized twice in the dying moments. First, his header struck the upright with Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana beaten. Then, in stoppage time, he found the net again, only for the referee to controversially rule the goal offside.
"We were not only physically but also mentally not in the game in the first half," Nees said. "But in the second half, we showed character and proved we could challenge Cameroon. I believe we deserved a draw, but sometimes football can be cruel."
The defeat was Zimbabwe's first in the qualifiers, leaving them second in Group J with nine points. Cameroon topped the group with 14 points, while Kenya and Namibia were eliminated.
The Warriors will now turn their focus to next year's AFCON in Morocco, where they aim to build on the positives from their campaign and compete against the continent's best. While the loss in Yaoundé stung, their fighting spirit and quality in the second half showed that they could be a formidable side in the tournament.
Teams
Cameroon: A. Onana, C. Wooh, E. Boyomo, N. Tolo, T. Jackson, Z. Anguissa, H. Martin, F. Magri (P. Soko, 69th min), G. Nkoudou, C. Bassogog (Y. Neyou, 6th min), A. Vincent (M. Ngomaleu, 90th min)
Zimbabwe: W. Arubi, G. Murwira (T. Machope, 85th min), D. Lunga, M. Garan'anga, T. Hadebe, M. Nakamba, A. Rinomhota (W. Musona, 73rd min), J. Zemura, K. Billiat, D. Mapfumo (P. Dube, 59th min), T. Maswanhise (A. Dzvukamanja, 59th min).
Source - The Herald
